Emperor Brazil Photojournal (8-6-1 and 8-6-2)

[Legen]

Hello everyone.

I'm sharing here an Emperor photojournal that I've been done recently as a means to improve my game, especially now that there are deity players posting theirs; it helps me compare my thought process with theirs and examinate where I could adjust my gameplay. Feel free to add how you'd have proceeded in any given moment, or where you spotted a mistake of mine, I'm welcoming critiques.

Also, Gazebo stated that these AAR are great for debugging, so why not add another one.

I kept these notes in a separated document, written at the turn I took the screenshot. All notes are my thoughts at that specific turn, planning the future ones and without any insight added in retrospect. At most, I reviewed them to correct typos and clarify confusing or incomplete statements.

Spoiler Game Settings :

Emperor (6) Difficulty
Standard Speed
Standard Size, 8 civs, 16 city states
Continents
No Strategic Balance
No events
Human vassalage allowed (it just felt like that should be the default, no idea why it's the opposite)

Note: Started at patch 8-6-1, and updated to 8-6-2 in the middle of it, as soon as it was announced.

Spoiler Brazil's strategic prospects, pre-game considerations :

Brazil is a civ whose primary victory condition is cultural, while also tending to have an updated infrastructure; it has access to a lot of culture and gold throughout the entire game, with solid scaling. Military tends to be its weakest aspect, with no military bonuses and a unique unit focused on economic benefits over actual combat capabilities.

Brazil has been a solid civilization for Tradition due to both synergies with golden age points + tourism from great people birth, and the civ's ability to cover Tradition's main weaknesses in the early game with the Brazilwood Camp (lots of gold to finance infrastructure, satellite cities quickly becoming productive just by sending a worker alongside the settler). Tradition has also been a tree that can snowball if it accumulates a lot of culture, since many of its policies unlock a new source of culture that outweights those found in Progress and Authority; Brazil can provide it early with its UI. These aspects have, in my experience, allowed Brazil to use Tradition effectively even when the tree's weaknesses are too crippling for most other civs to work.

Brazilwood Camp has some particular aspects that may be overlooked by those without experience with this civ. First, this UI grants you a monopoly right as you build the first one, which makes any trade route from the city it is on more profitable due to resource diversity. This modifier adds a +25% modifier for each luxury/resouce your city has more than the foreign city and counts double for those luxuries/resources that you have a monopoly of. As such, the UI can act as a market by itself when it comes to your trade routes, further boosting this civ's gold income.

Second, the brazilwood monopoly enables the Hexxon Refineries Corporation, whose offices grant you copies of coal and oil, an extra +1 to brazilwood camps AND provide a +10% modifier in the city from each trade route to foreign cities with a Hexxon franchise. The first is helpful to ensure all your cities are updated in factories, train stations, seaports and overall air defense. The latter is extremely valuable for the Earth Citizen Protocol and can aid with spaceship parts, should you need to pursue a backup scientific victory.

About Bandeirantes, they are a powerful source of yields, but aren't only for that. Exploring with them also means revealing as much of the map as you can to know later where the antiquity sites are; this way, when you finally research Archaeology, you'll make more informed decisions of where to send your archaeologists first. They also let you meet all city-states ASAP, which can help you find a particular luxury that your cities are demanding and get their quests earlier. Quests like "most culture for happiness reward", "build 4 of these buildings for production rewards" and "generate this great person for culture rewards" (if I'm recalling correctly) are very valuable and easy for you to complete; a well-timed quest can guarantee a wonder or speed up a key great person or policy for your situation.

Part 1:

Spoiler 1- Start :

My start. I have Silk and Tobacoo available, not knwoing which will be my monopoly. I'm hoping it's silk for its +10% monopoly. It's improved by the amphitheather, which I could beeline in my way to Education (Sankore wonder). Overall, looking to be a strong start, it has 4 visible spots for brazilwood camps.

With two 2 tiles to work that early, I can probably invest in Stonehenge to guarantee it. I don't know yet which pantheon I want. I do want to experiment with one of the recently buffed ones, notably Goddess of Festivals and God of the Expanse. The former used to work really well with the free Brazilwood luxuries I have, while the latter just benefits from Brazil's early access to culture.

Spoiler 2- Room for expansion :

Silk monopoly it is. I'm happy, and I won't have to forward settle anyone to guarantee it. There's also olives nearby, and another tobacco to the south. France is way north, I'm already expecting Napoleon to spend his energies dealing with another neighbor, probably Japan.

Spoiler 3- Ancient ruins :

I've already started construction for Stonehenge, but I find these ruins near Babylon's borders, surrounded by barbarians (which my trailblazer II scount got without trouble, already loving these changes). 62 , yay. I can pick any pantheon I want at this point and still found comfortably. I'll still keep with Stonehenge, if to not waste the production I've spent so far.

I've been really lucky with ruins, finding producion for my monuments, then culture and gold. Also an upgrade for my pathfinder. And now this. This won't be representative of an average game.

Spoiler 4- Tech tree :

My plan to beeline for Mathematics now. I really want the Hanging gardens, and I don't expect to successfully build any other Ancient Era wonder for now. I may still try one if I happen to have a great engineer well timed for that, especially Mausoleum, but that is a matter of opportunity, not my primary plan.

The pantheon I picked, Festivals, only started to benefit me after Calendars, since you need the tech that unlocks the improvement to have it count as connected; it's not enough to settle on top of that silk. The other civs started to connect their respective luxuries, I need to get my brazilwood camps up ASAP to trade with them.

Spoiler 5- Third policy :

Third policy by turn 39, I immediately start trading my brazilwood luxury to ensure my pantheon will benefit early; I can still build three more around the capital. Priority build now is for workers, followed by settlers. I'll want to send a worker alongside them to build additional brazilwood camps; that is worth a monument or two as they build a shrine.

Spoiler 6- Fourth policy and Goddess of Festivals yields :

Fourth policy by turn 53. And now, at turn 55, I have my second city founded on top of an olive tile, with a worker starting on a brazilwood camp as soon as it is founded. With two trade partners, I'm now getting 12 from Goddess of Festivals. More than from the three brazilwood camps I have actually. Festivals + Brazilwood Camp is a powerful combination, with the latter having a decent build time (7 turns) over those that require you to chop wood, like those silk tiles.

On the left, you can see my warrior and my scout going for a barbarian camp; two city-states have a quest for it, and I want to get the great general points in case I struggle too hard with supply cap.

Spoiler 7- Neighbors :

My neighbors are Babylon immediately to the west, and both France and Japan on the far north, all starting with Progress and one policy behind me. This looks like a peaceful early game for me; Babylon's UB means I won't be able to knock any city until medieval at best, and it would take a lot of forward settling on my part towards France to get any serious territory dispute; he'll certainly focus on Japan first. I can delay my military development for now, focusing on Classical Era wonders as convenient.

A quest to find Japan's land gave me a lot of science, speeding up my way to Mathematics; Hanging Gardens is basically guaranteed now.

Spoiler 8- First golden age :

My neighbors have been slow at connecting their extra luxuries, which delays my pantheon's usefulness. I have 8 luxuries now, with the gold from the pantheon alleviating the trade deals for those they only have one copy.

Golden age at turn 78, with a carnival triggered previously on Rio from trading marble with Napoleon. I'm still at two cities due to my focus on wonders, now snatching Great Library with the help of a great engineer. I'm not sure if that was an important one to get, to be honest, since the timing with my techs was awful. I could have gone for Roman Forum if I had focused it, Japan got it one turn before I would guarantee it with my engineer. I favored the library for its theming slots, plus the possibility of having an early tech lead, library included.

Spoiler 9- Prospects at the north :

Tradition completed at turn 85, while my neighbors are still at 4 policies. And something is wrong with Japan, still at 2 cities and without connecting his two coral tiles (I WANT TO TRADE WITH YOU DAMNIT, BUILD SOME BOATS!). I suspect Napoleon will be able to snowball during the midgame, and that I'll have to go to war with him before he becomes unstoppable.

Spoiler 10- Brazilwood camp allocation :

My capital doesn't actually have enough population to work all the brazilwood tiles, with the new musician specialist coming from Tradition's finisher. One of the brazilwood camps is now allocated for my satellite city; it's important to manage your citizen allocation carefully in the capital with this tree, especially with a civ that has such an important UI.

 

[Legen]

Part 2:

Spoiler 11- Catholicism founded :

Religion founded on turn 89, kinda late for someone that had a faith ruins + Stonehenge; Festivals still seems risky for founding, maybe even with a religious civ. I'm going for the WLTKD beliefs: Theocratic Rule and Synagogues. Inspiration is definetively strong, but I want to ensure I'll have the science boost needed to win in the lategame. The race to research Telecommunications can be really desperate due to how fast a runaway AI can tech once it hits the Information Era.

I intend to use the free great person on Artistry to get my second Prophet, allowing me to spread my religion on my cities ASAP for the synagogues's production, covering Tradition's lack of it compared to my Progress's neighbors. Now I have to reach for Drama and Poetry fast to get a good enhance speed.

Spoiler 12- Tech tree at Classical :

My research so far. I went for Writing before the Masonry and Iron Working because I feared getting behind in science relative to my neighbors, and I'm not on par with them. I'll complete these two first, then beeline to Drama and Poetry. I don't expect to build the Parthenon on time, the AI tends to compete for this particular wonder. I may deviate for Metal Casting, though, since the Circus Maximum is a +10% during Carnivals.

Spoiler 13- Babylonian faith :

Babylon finally gets its pantheon on turn 91... Maybe they got surrounded by too many barbarians? My scout is between two barb camps right now, and I remember picking that faith ruins between barbarians next to his borders way back then.

Spoiler 14- Babylonian misery :

Yep, barbarians ****ing their game.

Spoiler 15- Plans for Sidon :

A detail here, I intend to spawn a Great General with CS quests, the next one (near Babylon's lands) giving enough for one. I'm considering planting a citadel on Salvador to grab Sidon's horses, Cocoa (which I don't have) and that jungle tile, eligible for another brazilwood camp. But since Sidon keeps trying to chop the jungle, I keep declaring war on it to capture the worker. I'll probably end with some workers, and a bad resting point with Sidon, by the time I manage to use a citadel.

Great Wall doesn't seem to be an option here, my +65% penaly on wonder cost makes it a risky attempt until a great engineer is born. I'm better focusing on those writer guilds for now.

Spoiler 16- Demographics; France-Japan war :

Turn 105, France and Japan are now at war. Japan is very far behind in development, though, and it's not Medieval yet, so I doubt it will go well for Nobunaga. He is first in soldier's demographics, though. On my domestic side, I did use the general to grab horses and cocoa, plus the jungle; I'm now building Parthenon and hoping my current lead, gold included, will be enough to get it. I'm currently first in literacy by the demographics, hopefully the rest of the world has not figure out Drama yet.

Spoiler 17- Parthenon :

Parthenon built successfully on turn 113, which increases my culture output by 10% of my previous value. I have the opportunity to get the Great Wall next, since a great engineer will be born in 7 turns. I'm already preparing for it; I may need the extra supply and general against France, who is now a friend of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar has been guarded about me for a long time, so I have to prepare for an eventual joint war.

I'm also trying to spread my religion now, so I don't have to compete for the Cathedral of St. Basil. Japan managed to found Shinto, Babylon and France are still with a pantheon only. No other religion can be founded now, thankfully for me, but I want to ensure Shinto doesn't spread far if Napoleon is too successful in his war.

Spoiler 18- Errr... :

Er, did I say I wanted the Great Wall? Napoleon was already on it, and I didn't notice...

Spoiler 19- The incoming war :

Babylon is preparing to attack. It's a troubling timing for me, since I want to build Sankore now. I'll have to use my engineer to finish it, so the Capital can contribute to the war effort.

Spoiler 20- War, distant lands and religion enhancement :

Many news in just a few turns: Poland traveled all the way here... with a trirreme, bringing new luxuries. He's 6 Tradition 2 Artistry, just like me, so finishing Sankore immediately was a must. Engineer spent, which gave me the culture needed to pick the third Artistry policy, National Treasure. I use the free great person in a Prophet to enhance my religion at last, on turn 134. Meanwhile, I allow Babylon to settle south, where a lone copy of Tobacco is; I have a rush-bought catapult coming to bring it down, so I have a puppet for the luxury, no costs on my culture, science or tourism.

 

[Legen]

Part 3:

Spoiler 21- Enhancing :

I'm trying to decide which beliefs are ok, considering my Progress neighbors. I don't want to give them too many free yields, I'd prefer to keep my religion suboptimal for them. Mastery seems appropriate here, letting me take full advantage of Tradition's specialist focus and giving me the golden age points Brazil wants. For the enhance, I'm going for Sainthood. I am not facing religious competition in my continent to the point of wanting something like Scripture, I can just focus on yields.

Spoiler 22- War brokered :

War brokered, certainly Babylon wants to force me to fight in multiple fronts. My north borders are fortified, but I need more troops to ensure none of the three fronts (west, north, my next puppet) I have to deal with are unguarded. That means buying units, no matter the lower xp for now.

Spoiler 23- A new puppet, just for me? :

My new puppet, which will give me that extra tobacco copy at no cost on culture, science, or tourism. That city doesn't have spots for brazilwood camps, which is why I didn't bother to settle there before. It's just a bad location for a brazilian city overall.

France is spending diplomats to keep Hanoi as my enemy, increasing my need to reinforce the north front. Once the remaints of the south Babylon army are dealt with, it should be no problem to deal with the north, and Napoleon hasn't made a serious move yet.

Babylon isn't advancing on the western front either, not sure if trying to avoid getting his units caught or if the south was meant to be the main front. If it was the latter, it is a spetacular failure, feeding me instead.

Spoiler 24- Golden weaponry :

A very welcome golden age, which I can use to upgrade all my melee units to stand against Napoleon. Babylon is only throwing outdated units now, Napoleon is the only opponent with a serious army to deal with. The citadel I previously put near Sidon is doing a good job at keeping him at bay, sometimes netting me an easy kill.

Spoiler 25- Japan at war :

Japan declares war against my enemies, likely trying to hit Napoleon while he's distracted with me. Nobunaga has 5 cities and looks able to stand against France; the only problem is how he's 5 techs behind. I don't know how he got that far behind everyone else.

Spoiler 26- War status and reformation :

Eleven turns later, the war is still going without my enemies advancing on either western or northern front. No serious harm so far, not a single unit lost. I've been appreciating Barrage archers and forts a lot, since they allow me to pick a kill without forcing a melee unit out of position and leaving it vulnerable to focus fire. I've lost units this way in previous games, and have been more careful since then.

I'm shooting for Notre Dame, whose Golden Age and happiness would be neat additions to the Brazilian empire. My current culture per turn is at 243, but reached about ~420 during a golden age (Carnival included), just check the two previous images. That's what Brazil gets with Carnival + Theocratic Rule + Sankore's free mosque + Artistry's Refinement. You can see why I want Notre Dame, and it's coming in 2 turns after investment.

And a huge news is that my religion has just spread through France like a wildfire, I'm now eligible for a reformation. I'll do it as soon as I complete Notre Dame. One other civilization reformed and picked Defender of the Faith (no, it wasn't Japan); To the Glory of God is still available.

One turn later, the war ends, with both wanting peace. I get a favorable peace treaty with Babylon and resume trading luxuries with both civilizations.

Spoiler 27- Damn :

And Napoleon completes Notre Dame one turn before I do, damn. That's a lot of production and gold wasted. I'm now considering skipping other wonders until Sistine Chapel, the most impactful one for my cultural victory and snowball, to avoid this situation again. I'm 2-3 policies ahead of everyone, Poland included.

My priority for now is the reformation, sending Bandeirantes, unlocking artist guilds and teching to Sistine Chapel. I will also prioritize production buildings in my Capital to minimize the risk of losing Sistine the same way I lost Notre Dame. I do have a Great Engineer coming in 6 turns (a pity he wasn't born earlier), Sistine should be a bit easier to get.

I also need to rebuild my caravans, I had lost mine with the wars. Babylon finally started to speed up his science, and should be a good destination for my routes.

Spoiler 28- The first bandeirantes :

Remember that I said about sending Bandeirantes? Gazebo released a hotfix for supply cap, changing the formula at this point of my game. Before the hotfix, I had a serious problem with supply cap. It was around 16 or 17, limiting me to only one bandeirantes, unless I'd be willing to disband the units I promoted and spent gold upgrading in the war. The hotfix changed it from 16 to 21 immediately, which will let me get more for exploration and yields.

These yields are huge now: my single bandeirantes already generated 87 in one turn by exploring foreign lands, basically half of my current science output. I intend to use the gold I'm getting to rushbuy a few more and keep investing in buildings; my hope is that these bandeirantes I'm sending will let me reach Acoustics before anyone else (I'm second in tech now, Babylon is first) and get the Sistine before anyone has a chance. Poland is the most likely rival for the Sistine; he has 10 policies, and the wonder requires 11.

I'm tempted to build the Globe Theather in the way; the other civs haven't researched Printing Press yet, this wonder is amazing for Brazil's UA, and only Poland has the policy requirement (10) to build it. Also, a Golden Age is coming in time, which will speed it up, and everyone else seems to have researched the other Rennaissance techs instead, by the tech costs so far..

I found two other civilizations with the bandeirantes, the Iroquois and the Mongols. The last one must be Indonesia, since two of my cities are demanding pepper. I really want to find them and trade for their spices, the Goddess of Festivals must be appeased!

Spoiler 29- War again :

Babylon declares war again. He doesn't seem to have any advantage so far, though, in tech or army size. The point to consider is that, last time, he bribed France to attack me as well; I'll see if I can somehow prevent him from doing that again, but I see no clear way to do that.

Spoiler 30- Globe Theather :

Globe Theather built with ease. I was the only one with the Printing Press tech, until two turns before it, so I knew my chances were very high. Also, two of the other civs that eventually had the policy requirement (10) during the construction were still at medieval era, Poland included.

I spent the great engineer anyways because I really want to have the Capital contributing to the war again, though. And because, at this rate, the potential competitors are unlikely to reach Acoustics in time to pose a risk. I've already researched Astronomy and am finishing Gunpowder in 2 turns. Acoustics is estimated to complete in 9 after that, but I know my bandeirates will shorten that considerably. I still get the feeling it was a mistake...

Also, Artistry completed at turn 177.

 

[Legen]

Part 4:

Spoiler 31- France at war... vs Babylon :

Great news all of a sudden: France is at war against Babylon. A huge relief, that means I'll not deal with a joint war against me. Meanwhile, my 3 bandeirantes keep producing science (234 last turn), two of them exploring water tiles yet. With my current science output being 256 (even with Synagogues), they are nearly doubling my research speed. Already purchased another bandeirantes to keep it up.

Spoiler 32- Finally, Indonesia :

Finally, Indonesia found. 5 new luxuries there for my Goddess of Festivals (he wants open borders with me a lot, so I got a good price for those crabs without having to export my single olive copy).

Spoiler 33- First world congress :

World Congress, with me as the host and as a religious authority (20 cities, 2 extra votes). I'm considering sanctioning Babylon to cut any potential for brokered wars from him in the future. I really don't want another joint war against me, given Tall's relatively small suppply cap. And if he brokers a war from the other continent, that means less luxuries.

I'm also considering passing Catholicism as the world religion, as the future sessions may not be as favorable for that as this one. France and Poland will also propose something, neither being religious founders, and both are at war with someone. France is fighting against Babylon and Japan, Poland is fighting against Indonesia and Mongolia. If Poland proposes to sanction one of those, I could pass my religion with ease; same if France tries to sanction Japan. If Napoleon proposes sanctioning Babylon, I'll have two favorable proposals, so it won't be that bad if I don't pass World Religion.

I'll have a great diplomat in 10 turns for another embassy, and I already have a diplomat (spy) on Warsaw, I could buy a vote from him as well. Sanctioning Babylon is guaranteed, Religion isn't without favorable proposals from the other two. They may also propose (a.k.a. "grateful" if I'd propose) CS sanctions, Cultural Heritage Sites (ok for me), Endowment for the Arts, Natural Heritage sites and Treasure Fleet, none of which are likely to draw votes away from other civs.

Spoiler 34- The proposals :

I decided to risk proposing World Religion, and the other two decided to sanction Babylon and Mongolia. Not ideal, Mongolia is the only religious leader with only one vote, while Babylon is less likely to vote for Catholicism this way. Poland won't trade his vote for Catholicism, I'll have to ensure it's for something else and hope Napoleon will help me.

It's turn 183, I completed Acoustics thanks to bandeirantes and Sankore, and am now working on Sistine Chapel. That's in just 4 turns after I built the Globe Theather, down from the 11 predicted by the tech screen. I also still have 7 turns of golden age to boost production, and the only civ with enough policies to build it, Poland, has reached rennaissance just recently, still far from unlocking the tech. Furthermore, there are two city-state quests that provide production: one for finding Bratislava (one bandeirantes just found it) and one for building 4 chanceries on my empire (working on that).

I'll have my next policy in the following turn, meaning unlocking an Industrial era tree. It's normally Rationalism or Industry for me. I'm leaning toward the latter and follow with Order; I think that Rationalism into Freedom has been relatively weak for a cultural victory lately due to the addition of the Citizen Earth Protocol requirement. Science and Production are now very important for a cultural victory, and Order provides both better than Freedom at the moment.

Brazil's abundance of gold also benefits a lot from Industry's scaler and Division of Labor. 50% faster great merchants are also amazing for our UA. Rationalism offers a free golden age, but no actual golden age points, and less happiness than Industry (luxury bonus).

Spoiler 35- Sistine Chapel :

Sistine built on turn 190, just 11 turns after Globe Theather. The +10% modifier is worth an extra 36 in my empire for now, plus 1 from the wonder itself. It took the theming from Parthenon, but I have a great artist coming in 3 turns. I'd like to take more wonders, like Uffizi and Summer Palace, but the extra cost being at +95% makes them very greedy choices. I'm focusing on my Capital's infrastructure for now, and beelining to Archaeology.

About the World Congress, Poland won't trade any vote, all are at "impossible". My spy, now at rank 3, is moving to Japan in hopes that Nobunaga will be willing to trade a vote on something other than Catholicism. Iroquois is at war with the Mongols, so there's a (small) chance that he will spend a vote on sanctioning them, instead of blocking my proposal. Poland may do the same and is not a religious leader, so my proposal isn't hopeless.

From now, Poland and Indonesia are basically impossible to trade votes. They both have the "You are competing for World Wonders" diplo modifiers, meaning they will likely compete with me for a cultural victory if possible. Iroquois may end with the same attitude, as he has the 3rd highest tourism output (behind me and Indonesia) at the moment.

Spoiler 36- Industrial era :

Industrial Era reached at turn 199. I purchase a Great Diplomat with faith for an extra vote, but that won't be enough to secure my proposal; Poland and Iroquois have an extra embassy on their own. My diplomat had to evacuate due to Japan losing Kyoto to Napoleon, and can't reach any other capital in time to trade votes; I'll keep my rank 3 spy on my capital instead to hunt foreign spies, which are already acting.

My industrial era policies are now Industry -> Division of Labor, and picking Free Trade next turn. My market line (Mercantilism benefits) isn't actually built on my cities due to my abundance of gold from brazilwood camps, golden ages (UA included) and trade routes. About the latter, Brazil has very lucravite trade routes due to tourism (Influential with France already, meaning an extra 8 ) and brazilwood luxury (higher resource diversity modifier, with monopoly counting double). Those have carried my gold income so far.

I could focus on the market line, but I have bigger priorities on my cities now, meaning production/food and completing public schools for archaeologists. I'm researching Archaeology now to start the the artifact race with a huge lead, other civs do not even have Architecture.

Wonder costs are much lower now (+40%), and I can choose between Summer Palace, Uffizi and Porcelain Tower. The latter is the least risky, as nobody else unlocked the tech. Uffizi has one more competitor, and Summer has two. I have an engineer coming in 11 turns, I'm considering building Porcelain first to further my lead in the artifact race, then use the engineer on Uffizi to get it with minimal risks. I might change him to Louvre, or save him for Slater Mill, if something goes wrong.

My bandeirantes have run out of land to explore, and will now be exploring mostly water; that limits how many yields I can get from them, since these tiles are not nearly as valuable. This further convinces me to go for Porcelain, as it lets me consolidate the science advantage they gave me.

Babylon peaces out, with no gain from either side. The most was I pillaging one village, and that's it. We're back at trading luxuries.

Spoiler 37- World religion :

Great news, Catholicism is now the world religion! The sanctions failed, turns out Poland and Iroquois did not want Babylon sanctioned to the point of spending all their votes to Nay it. They might be trying to build tourism on him, that could explain the result.

There isn't a proposal that I really want, in the sense of being a strong cultural or diplomatic push towards victory. I'll go for Cultural Heritage Sites to capitalize on my wonders and great works. Nobody gets angry for that, and France would be grateful; maybe I can get a declaration of Friendship with him in the future, blocking brokered wars against me.

I have to pay attention to Napoleon's warmongering, though. He is conquering Japan's cities, and the next one is the holy city for Shinto. I'm thinking of sending a prophet there to erase it from the remaining 4 japanese cities, so Napoleon doesn't have the chance to build enough inquisitiors to even think of replacing Catholicism. I'll have to spend quite some turns for that, though...

Spoiler 38- Brokered war... again :

France vassalazed Japan and now declares war on me. This is another brokered war, and could be not just from Babylon, but also Poland. Casimir is also proposing to repel Catholicism. Either way, I should consider sanctioning these two next time I have the chance, as these brokered wars can be too disruptive for my trade.

Spoiler 39- Porcelain Tower :

Porcelain Tower completed, worth an extra 22 for now. I bubbled the free scientist to speed up the archaeologists, which I intend to send to the other continent. I have very little uninproved tiles at this point, and food is a concern in some cities; I am prioritizing farms and may need to replace some production-based tiles for future GP improvements, despite Industry's boost to them.

Spoiler 40- Brokered world :

Poland, Babylon and Iroquois declared war at me, all brokered. Mongolia doesn't have the conditions to pay for all of it, leaving Indonesia (which I received warnings of plotting against me) as a possible hand on it. I don't care about Japan, Poland or Iroquois, I mostly need to deal with Napoleon and Babylon. Napoleon in particular has his UU online, which makes the north front the most important to reinforce.

At this point, I'm seriously considering finding a way to conquer all of Babylon. Napoleon has to deal with a chokepoint to get to me and is usually friendly, while Babylon is close to my Capital and always waging war on me. I want to eliminate this civ from the game to cut out these wars and force future wars on a single front.

I have to abandon the foreign artifacts for now, there's no safety for my archaeologists. I'm now focusing on the market line, covering the lost trade; next turn, I can pick Mercantilism to take advantage of it.

 

[Legen]

Part 5:

Spoiler 41- Defensive war :

Turn 226. The defensive war continues, the peace isn't blocked anymore, but my enemies aren't yet willing to negotiate peace. Catholicism was repealed, since we moved to a new era and Iroquois could easily compete for city-states while I'm at war.

The opponents haven't gained ground, at most pillaged some tiles that I'm not commited to protect. Babylon's army is outdated again, and I'm planning to force an invasion on his lands to cripple him once I peace out with Napoleon. I really want to eliminate this two-front wars scenario from repeating over and over, and Babylon is the most hostile of the two. By now, my personal goal is to eliminate this civ as a competitor.

I built Louvre during the war, with archaeologists working on the safe ruins in my lands. I'm beelining to Eiffel Tower, I want to keep my social policy lead: I'm at 5 Industry now, while the others are at 3 (Poland), 2 (Indonesia), or at most only opened an industrial tree (all the others). I may build the Slater Mill in the process if I do not see coal in my lands, and I suspect this one will be my real priority.

Supply cap is a serious limitation now. I could have more units to defend myself and push this war to Babylon already, but the cap doesn't allow me to; in fact, it even forces me to disband units from time to time, which is extremely crippling. Babylon has a defensive pact with France, meaning I'm probably better pushing to his lands as soon as possible, rather in a future war.

Tall remains quite challanged in my opinion due to this difficulty of dealing with supply. For a playstyle meant to be defensive, it can put itself in a position where it can't get out of undesirable war prospects.

Spoiler 42- Indonesia bribed :

Indonesia was brokered to war, but Napoleon has peaced out, alongside his vassal, Japan. I don't care about Indonesia, being on the other continent, and any war weariness on my empire is disappearing now. I'm moving my units to push to Babylon's territory, I won't be able to get another war with him again without pulling France in anytime soon. I also have to take full advantage of the tech lead of my army; the main difficulty is that his cities have a high combat strength; I'll need to build a field gun and upgrade my current cannon to just start dealing any meaningful damage.

Ideologies will come soon for me, maybe I should pick Freedom for the Volunteer Army (I think that's the name) to have the extra power/supply I need.

Spoiler 43- Invasion of Babylon :

Slatter Mill built, and I purchased a great writer to unlock Freedom for Volunteer Army. I'm now pushing into Babylon's land, even when my supply cap was exceeded. Babylon has no way to hold my futuristic army for now and I don't care if some of my Tercio die due to how I was over the supply cap, meaning I'm never slowing down my push; I just wish I were able to build actual siege weapons with my supply without worry.

World Congress next turn. Poland and Iroquois are no longer at war with me; instead, they are at war with Mongolia, and I accepted Poland's offer to join the war for 72 per turn, plus a dye luxury. I'm hoping that this war can improve my relationship with these two, at least for now. Especially since France proposed sanctioning me. Mongolia is the weakest civ in the game at the moment, both in votes and in general, so I can take his hate with minimal consequences.

One bandeirantes is pillaging Indonesia's lands with ease due to the amount of desert tiles there. Until I can peace out from that brokered war with them, I'll be at least getting some gold from pillaging and disrupting caravan trade routes.

Spoiler 44- Worring vote :

The World Congress proceeded. All sanctions failed to pass. The good news here is that Poland and Hiawatha voted Nay on sanctioning me; the worring one is that France voted Yes. Certainly due to the defensive pact he has with Babylon, which I'm invading. I have to get the two cities I'm sieging fast and reassemble the northern front to stand against a potential declaration of war from Napoleon. For my next proposal, I'll go for Sphere of Influence on the two city-states near me; they can act as a buffer against Napoleon's attacks.

The invasion is progressing, Babylon has the tiles around its capital pillaged and all city connections lost. He's now with a -20% combat penalty on his units due to unhappiness. I intend to capture the two cities I'm sieging before finishing this war. I'll have to end soon, the war weariness is starting to build again and I have concerns about the north. But conquering Babylon (the capital) gives me three wonders: Oracle, Chichen Itza (yay) and Taj Mahal. The first is good for the -25% illiteracy on all cities, the second is good in general for a golden age civ, and the latter can feed my UA; a very profitable war. Freedom's Volunteer Army is paying off.

On my domestic side, my archaeologists are for now taking whatever ruins I safely can get in my continent; the sea still has Indonesian ships around my coast, so it's risky to send them to the other continent. I'm now building Eiffel Tower, and nobody else has the technology yet to build it. I'm still a bit far from getting a golden age (16 turns) and do not have faith to buy another engineer (natural one coming in 11 turns), making it susceptible to some other civ rushing for it. Four other civs have enough policies to build it; tech advantage doesn't seem enough to guarantee it.

Spoiler 45- Fall of Babylon :

Babylon falls. I now have three new wonders for my empire: Chichen Itza, Oracle and Taj Mahal. The city even comes with a Monastery, the silver luxury and two tiles eligible for brazilwood camps. This should be a major hit on Babylon's capabilities to wage war against me. I decide to annex this city; I'm having food issues in some of my satellite cities and I'd benefit from moving some guilds to this huge city. Also, defensive buildings as soon as possible.

Spoiler 46/47/48- Situation :

My current situation after the peace with Babylon (I didn't know he likes 90's music). I could probably push further into his lands, but my current territory is relatively easy to defend due to the chokepoints created by the mountains and the lake near Borsippa. Also, I'm still concerned about a possible war coming soon from the north if I stay here too long. Babylon's treasury can finance my empire for quite a while, and should he declare war again, Akkad would be way too exposed.

My supply cap increased by 5 after taking these two cities, the top one being puppeted; I do not want to deal with culture/science/tourism costs from annexing it yet. I may change my mind in the future: it has two more eligible tiles for brazilwood camps and the possibility of building ships on that lake.

I have seven themes (museum and Oxford university not shown). I need to get some museums ready to form additional themes with the artifacts I'm collecting. And about my tourism not being above 100 yet, I delayed hotels for wonders, since I'm already popular with three civs (60.4%, 71%, 87%) and influential with the rest.

Spoiler 49- Meanwhile... :

Meanwhile, Indonesia still refuses to sign peace. My lone bandeirantes is still there, pillaging stuff that looks valuable. The World Congress is tame: Historical Landmarks and Sactioning Mongolia (again). I can just focus on my sphere of influence.

Spoiler 50- Brokered war, how many times now? :

Napoleon denounces me, and accepts someone's bribe for war on the following turn. Again. I don't think 6 Foreign Legions are strong enough to invade his lands, but I do need to stop him from attacking every now and then due to some bribe. Possibly from Poland, who is suddenly at -185 per turn. Napoleon lacks enemies at the moment, I'll need to find someone that is competing with him at some city-state or similar.

 

[CrazyG]

Cool write up, these are a lot of work and the community appreciates them!

 

[Legen]

Thanks!

Added some notes about bandeirantes in the pre-game considerations, for completeness.

 

[Owlbebach]

Two much stuff... I'll read it and share my ideas later....

 

[Legen]

Part 6:

Spoiler 51- A new monopoly :

Eiffel Tower built, Golden Age (17 turns, yay) and, with the conquests plus an east company, an olive monopoly (+10% in all cities). The war remains defensive in nature, with Napoleon unable to advance in the north. He attempted a naval attack on Brasilia, but it is easy to fend off with a citadel and 2-3 gattling guns. The gold from the golden age lets me keep my army updated, as well as keep investing in infrastructure (including in conquered Babylon) and extra workers.

Another freedom tenet, Universal Healthcare. Coupled with the conquests, I now have surplus supply to deal with the war, and my capital has solid infrastructure. It's now to focus on units. Poland is the second in policies, 6/6/5 tradition/artistry/industry. Indonesia third with 6/6/5 progress/artistry/industry. The rest are 6/6/3 or only showing 6/6. In techs, I'm in the lead with 47, followed by France with 45.

Spoiler 52- Arsenal buff :

Arsenals built, and they are proving to be very useful. Range 3 with indirect fire is paying off, and hitting for reasonable amounts (~20 damage) with Tradition's +50% damage if with a garrison. That 31.25 ranged strength with garrison compared to the city's 70 is unintuitive, but the idea of the city having a 105 RCS after modifier instead is horrifying.

Spoiler 53- Hate thy neighbor :

World congress, I passed my sphere of influence over Hanoi, which was allied to France and between our borders; now I have it fighting for my side and further securing my position. Historical Landmarks also passes, which helps feeding my cities; food has been less of a concern lately.

Notably, as I try to pass another sphere of influence over France's ally, Sidon (and also between our borders), four other civilizations would show gratitude for that. That means France is getting enemies, or, at least, envious rivals, including his vassal.

As I look for other proposals, to measure world diplomacy, I see that three civs would like France to be sanctioned: Poland, Iroquois and Babylon (!). That could mean less chances of being in another France-Babylon joint war soon. About the civs in the other continent, the sanction's propspects say that they all hate each other .

The war with Napoleon goes well, he is losing units against my defenses without serious casualties inflicted on me. I also managed to kill two great generals from him, as he is sending them alongside only three units at a time; carefully picking his units allow me to kill the poorly protected general. Napoleon also seems to be lacking units after these losses, I may have the opportunity to push for a city or two.

On the domestic front, I've purchased admirals for the luxuries, meaning more culture, faith, gold and tourism with my UA and Goddess of Festivals, and better chances to get "trade partners" diplo modifier. My main concern, though, is that Shinto is suddenly in a second french city; Napoleon is likely trying to make his conquered holy city take off and become my religious counterpart in the continent. I may have a new prophet within 10-20 turns; by then, we're likely at peace, leaving me free to cleanse his cities, plus some on Japan. I'm also thinking of beelining to Electricity for the free great person from Empire State Building, giving me a second extra prophet to completely cleanse Shinto from the continent. That would consolidate my Religious Authority votes from cities in my continent and prevent France from rising in the diplomatic front. He already proposed sanctions on me before, so it's important to restrain his number of delegates.

Spoiler 54- Prophetic regrets :

Third Freedom tenet, Arsenal of Democracy, on turn 261. Well timed, since I'll gain a great diplomat next turn; Eiffel Tower is doing a great job. My cultural influence has subjulgated 5 civs already, with the other two, Indonesia and Iroquois, being at 75.7% and 79.9%, respectively. Having so many theming bonuses and Brazil's UA, it's likely that I'll reach influential with everyone somewhere at Modern, and that 1999 per turn with Carnivals and Golden Age should make my historic events comparable to Arabia's. My last event from a great person birth generated 891 , let's see how much the next one will be.

The war with Napoleon continues, and he's trying to take down Hanoi, the city-state I have the sphere of influence with. He is also trying hard to spread Shinto to his cities; I may need a total of three prophets to cleanse that, which will take a very long time, and I'll have one less vote from religious authority until then. I wish I had used a prophet before to cleanse Shinto from the continent, instead of planting three holy sites; all that tourism I'm getting already with my theming bonuses and my UA makes these sites redundant, I should have put more faith in them (no pun intended).

Napoleon also proposed to sanction me, again. I'll have to give him the same treatment I gave to Babylon, but at least I have surplus supply this time for an army. It isn't enough for a navy, though, which is necessary in order to hold any of his many coastal cities and to effectively protect Hanoi. Next era also introduces air units, further straining my need for supply. I'll need to become a wide empire in order to attend all these military needs; even spending multiple generals and admirals is not enough to address Tall's supply issues.

Spoiler 55- Shinto spreads :

Napoleon is now trying to spread Shinto to babylonian cities, which I'll have to stop with missionaries for now. He also wants peace with me, but I intend to keep it for as long as I can keep Hanoi alive, as he is at negative happiness and gpt. This can limit how much faith he can generate. Hopefully I can put him under -20 happiness as well. I'm influential with him, which could flip a city or two.

My tourism keeps building fast on other civs. The historic event from a diplomat birth increased my tourism with other civs by 1098 . Now a great artist is born for 1138 . I spend it for a golden age, adding an extra ~30 turns thanks to Chichen itza and theming bonuses, another reason to have built that Great Library and Globe Theather. Another artist will be born before this golden age ends, which I can spend to keep it going and keep accumulating GAP.

Spoiler 56- Peace for Hanoi :

I made peace with Napoleon, Hanoi just can't hold against his UA for long. The religious front will be a problematic dispute, since he has Fealty and I don't; if he manages to convert all his cities and Babylon, I'll face a massive religious pressure on my cities. Freedom also lacks a tenet that gives a free great person; I'll have a hard time reaching for that third prophet I'd need to cleanse it from the continent, especially if I'm forced to spend missionaries; I'm better taking advantage of my diplomatic advantage with Freedom and focus on competing for the alliance of religious city-states. Their faith output may be enough to put Catholicism ahead of Shinto.

With the way religion became such a huge dispute, Knowledge through Devotion may have been a better reformation for the faith output, while still boosting my culture, science and archaeologist spam. The only people I've purchased outside my policies so far were diplomats and admirals; the former was amazing, and a main draw for Glory of God, while my use of the latter is questionable. Saving all that faith for prophets could have net me more by consolidating my Religious Authority votes and the bonus yields on Sainthood. Any excess could go directly for holy sites, whose culture (+5 from Grand Ossuary even) and tourism are already aligned with Brazil's focus on CV. That Knowledge through Devotion would add yields to them pushes it further.

Another thing I could do is going for Fealty once I have all the tenets I want, making use of my high culture output + Eiffel Tower. I am still far ahead in policies (6/6/6/4), while the second one, Poland, is still at 6/6/5, and I'll get a new policy in 5 turns. I do want 6 more tenets, though, and would need 3 more to get to Organized Religion; by then, I may be better just beelining Telecommunications and winning a CV. I'm already at 91.8% and 92.4% with Indonesia and Iroquiois, and with a Rising trend with everyone. Radio comes soon as well, boosting my tourism modifier and unlocking Industry's Broadway, a powerful cultural wonder, and Broadcast Towers. Someone would have to suddenly snowball very hard to revert this.

Alongside diplomats, I'm resuming my archaeologist spam on my Capital, which already ran out of relevant buildings to queue with all the gold I've invested. I'm now at peace with everyone, and the other continent still has a lot of sites to excavate. I may not need more tourism from them, but I do appreciate the extra culture going for me, rather than for a competitor. I'm now at Modern Era, thanks to a great scientist, 4-5 techs ahead of my main competitors. I want the Empire State Building ASAP, followed by a corporation. Hexxon Refinery would be useful for the future wars I'm sure will happen against France; I do not need the Giorgio Armeier (silk monopoly) to finish my CV, as attractive as the extra culture it provides may be. I'll likely need production first and foremost, as well as the coal and oil.

Spoiler 57- Babylon attacks, bribed again :

New tenet at turn 271, Urbanization, which greatly reduces Distress in my cities and frees them for specialists and brazilwood camps (which also got the extra 2 ). Now is turn 273. I have a defensive pact with Japan, who is no longer a vassal of France. This is convenient, as Babylon and Poland were bribed to go to war against me. I actually wanted Babylon to attack; he has a defensive pact with France, which isn't called in this attack, and two wonders in neighboring cities that I could capture for my empire: Neuschwanstein (Akkad) and Forbidden Palace (Borsippa). My western front was already reinforced and just waiting for an attack, with the siege weapons that were healing from the war with Napoleon coming to aid. As such, my plan is to capture these two wonders and force a capitulation; this would cut my rivals' ability to force a two-front war on me.

Shinto's spread has halted. Apparently, the former spread happened purely thanks to a prophet. One single prophet of mine can cleanse Napoleon's four shintoist cities, I may not need a second prophet. I do fear that Napoleon will declare a war if I try now, the peace treaty will expire before my prophet can convert all four cities.

My concern this turn is that, with the two brokered enemies, Napoleon will have enough votes to sanction me. I'll depend on the goodwill of Japan and the Iroquois; my diplomat in Onondaga affirms that he doesn't want this sanction and could vote Nay.

Spoiler 58- No sanctions :

One turn later (274), the World Congress has all proposals failing. Iroquois, Mongols and Japan voted Nay, spending all their votes. France, Babylon and Poland votes Yea, but didn't have enough votes, not even close. In fact, I could have voted one Yea on my sphere of influence and it would have passed.

I have a Declaration of Friendship with Japan now, which may translate to an extra vote once I build the International Finance Center later on. I'm prioritizing Electricity for now, Biology will be the next one for a simple reason: Poland has just adopted Freedom. This would be great news, but we are at war and he will now compete for the Statue of Liberty, which would put him on par in policies with me (damn that UA). I don't think I'll be able to research Biology and build the Statue before he does, he reached Modern Era. I think he beelined to Biology, it's the only tech with a lower science cost. Babylon had reached Modern before by beelining to that tech, I remember it having a lower cost before, I just don't remember by how much.

Spoiler 59- New host, no more french proposals :

Turn 284. Empire State Building completed, and I have two prophets now. I sent one towards Japan and hope to convert his 3 cities. The second one is getting close to France to convert four cities.

The World Congress has a new host thanks to three civs reaching a new era. I'm now the host, with 23 delegates. I got two new tenets (Civil Society, Treaty Organization) thanks to a great writer and a hidden antiquity site, both prodiving about 18k each. I prioritized the diplo tier 3 tenet because I'm already influential with every civ. Media Culture's only real benefit now is the +20% culture modifier on stadiums, which is still in a far away tech, Refrigeration.

About global politics, good news: Poland and Iroquois are both at war with France. That happened because Napoleon had a defensive pact with the Mongols, which both hate and keep attacking. As such, it's unlikely that I'll have to face a war with France soon. I can risk sending a prophet to convert Napoleon's four shintoist cities. Moreover, since France is no longer the host, they need more delegates to be able to propose anything next time, but four other civs, including mine, have more delegates than they do.

My empire is still in a golden age, but not in a carnival in all cities. Since I have enough prophets for now, I decided to purchase a great merchant, as well as build the circus I've delayed, to bring my UA's culture modifier back.

I focused on Akkad first, but I may be better focusing Borsippa instead. Akkad is defended by a navy, which limits my siege. Borsippa is tough, though, since it has only a narrow passage to place a melee unit. I'll be sending more siege weapons soon from my Capital, but it will be busy with wonders again soon. I'm finishing researcing Corporations in four turns.

Spoiler 60- Catholic again :

Shinto is almost cleansed from the french cities, one more city, with my prophet still having two uses. I've tried to convert the japanese cities with my other prophet, but they had a lot of missionaries and kept using them to bring Shinto back. I'll have to try again later. But overall, looks like France won't be able to treathen on the religious front anytime soon.

The siege of Akkad continues, slow and steady (and grindy...). The fleet protecting it was shot down by my artillery, sinking even an embarked great general. The terrain doesn't help, I have to sacrifice a fusilier from time to time. It's nasty, but I want to capture Akkad in this war. I've peaced out with Poland, hopefully the shared modifier for same ideology will refrain him from voting and proposing problematic options for me in the World Congress.

Another great artist born, and another golden age from him. Almost 7k gold from the stockpiled GAP, it's enough to invest in many buildings, my corporation, and hopefully to upgrade my units as soon as I finish researching Replaceable Parts.

 

[Legen]

Part 6:

Spoiler 61- No coffee for you :

Another WC session, and France isn't proposing anything this time, and hopefully, never. He was always proposing sanctioning me. Now that I'm in a solid position in the diplomatic front, it's time to hurt France directly. I'm banning his coffee monopoly (+10% ), important due to him choosing Progress/Fealty/Imperialism. A +20% modifier in all his cities is huge for Progress, and certainly played a role in him managing to build 11 wonders (I got 15), including that Notre Dame by 1 turn. This should put him down in the next eras and wars. Both Poland and Iroquois are bound to vote Yea on this ban and France now also has Japan as an enemy; passing this proposal will be easy.

Speaking of wars, he is positioning units near my borders. War is coming, and Babylon may still take time. I'm behind in military tech relative to France, he has Riflemen while I'm still with Fusiliers for 5 turns. I'll have to rely on gatling guns being a dominant unit even in Modern Era to halt his advance until I can sort the western front.

I cleansed his last shintoist city, my 1-use prophet is now trying to reach Japan's territory before he declares war. I was planning to save faith for a second prophet to finally convert Japan entirely (5 more turns, thanks to an incoming city-state quest reward), but it may be wiser to buy a scientist to upgrade my army in the north next turn. I haven't purchased a scientist yet, so he would be very cheap. Then, an artist for gold, ensuring I can upgrade all my army. A second prophet would not be able to reach Japan safely in a war, I'm taking the safer option for now.

Spoiler 62- Ouch :

France is *****ed. Two problematic proposals, two big diplo enemies and too little votes. He hasn't declared war yet, maybe the ongoing war with Poland and Iroquois is distracting him, with those units near my borders here just to deal with the naval skirmishes I've seen on the east. Nonetheless, Hanoi is surrounded by french units, I'll need to reinforce there quickly and likely donate some units. An ungarrisoned city-state falls quickly, especially vs a civ with actual combat bonuses like France.

A note aside, I was having the CTD issue on "Next Turn" just on my previous turn, but the suggestion that LukaSlovenia29 gave to CrazyG in the Korea photojournal worked for me. Props to him/her and, if you're reading this, thanks a lot! Here's the original post:

CrazyG, with regards to CTD problems, I have a potential solution. In my current game, at one point the last 20 or so saved turns had CTD upon hitting "next turn". Then I started a new game, played it for a while (let's say 50 turns) without a problem, then loaded the penultimate save from my previous game (the one with CTDs), and it worked without a problem, played from thereon without problems. Perhaps it might work for you too.

Spoiler 63- Conquest of Akkad :

Akkad captured and, with it, Neuschwanstein. I decide to annex Akkad and my former puppet, Dur-Kurigalzu; This war showed clearly that I need a navy on this side, even if just a few units. I'll build a fort on the tile pointed by my cursor, just south of Kathmandu. It will act as a canal for my navy in Dur's lake to join Akkad's navy. I'm transitioning to a wide empire, boosting my supply cap and overall yields. Tourism isn't a concern for now, and these two cities seem developed enough to carry their own weight.

I got another policy, and decided to go for Rationalism. My tourism keeps rising even without Media Culture, I can delay cultural-related benefits on Freedom for now. I'm most concerned about keeping my technological edge. I'm 2 techs ahead Babylon and 3 techs ahead France and Poland. I want to be able to reach Telecommunications before anyone else gets to Information Era, as their research speed rises dramatically at that point.

I also have my corporation now, Hexxon Refinery. I need to establish trade routes now, preferably to nearby city-states due to Treaty organization giving that extra 4 influence every turn. I'll also be able to build Broadway in 6 turns, long before anyone else, as they aren't going for Radio. My rivals seem to be aiming for Plastics for Cristo Redentor instead. Radio is more important for me because it also boosts the culture of brazilwood camps.

Prophet in 4 turns, hopefully enough to finally convert Japan. There is an inquisitor there, though, Nobunaga doesn't want to give up his ancestor's religion. I must do it, though, to reach 30 cities with my religion and gain an extra vote in the World Congress.

Spoiler 64- A free world :

Most civs are picking their Ideology now, and it's always Freedom. No surprise, given that I'm influential with everyone; whoever picks something different will have to deal with dissidents.

Even Napoleon picks Freedom. That isn't enough for him to stop hating me, but is enough for him to accept opening borders, even want it. Being at war with Poland probably helps. He still has 10 antiquity sites in his territory, 4 of them being hidden ones, I'll try to excavate them while I can. Any artifact is worth some passive science with Artistry, that could help me reach Telecommunications a turn earlier.

Spoiler 65- Nasty resolutions :

The World Congress just passes a ban on coffee, and sanctioned France. Napoleon is now in negative and gpt. I sent 10 archaeologists, and I hope I can delay a war with Napoleon if I propose something he may like. I'm considering Cultural Heritage Sites; I'd benefit a lot from it, science included, and he would appreciate it. Poland is still warring against him, hopefully this conflict lasts for about 10 more turns.

Spoiler 66- Rebels :

The ban and the sanction are hurting Napoleon hard. France is now at 30 , his gold income is at -319 per turn, my spy even managed to arm rebels near Paris, leaving the city at 891/1100 health. Not the best time for the rebels, they spawned near one of my archaeologists. Oh well... and France is now at peace with Poland and denounced me, my archaeologists may not have enough time to dig all the 10 sites. I'm still trying, though.

The next WC is tame: Cultural Heritage Sites, Open Door on a far away CS and Iroquois trying to make their Protestantism the world religion. I may have to be wary of Hiawatha getting more delegates, as he may become a serious competitor if I neglect him. He is the third in score, has 9 votes, more than anyone else besides me, and could get 8 more if he reaches Treaty Organization as well.

Spoiler 67- Sneak attack :

Broadway completed, giving me a powerful theming bonus. I also got to excavate two antiquity sites, giving me one artifact and a massive boost, 26k iirc. I got the Enlightment policy for another golden age (11272 and 4508 ) and its science bonuses. I may end getting Cristo Redentor as well, nobody researched Plastics yet. I want this tech for the Research Labs, I really want science. I may change plans and go for the military techs below if Napoleon gives me too much trouble. I doubt that will happen, though, he's still at 23 unhappiness and -125 per turn. A war with me now will only worsen it, as we still have a luxury trade ongoing.

On the other continent, looks like Mongolia won't live for long. He's down to two cities and the Capital under siege. Indonesia is also hated by Poland and Iroquois, but in a much better defensive position from land. Guess Gajad will become the next sanction target. I'm still doing what I can to stay on the good side of those two, and it has worked so far.

Spoiler 68- BANZAI!!! :

Japan declares war against Napoleon. That's a terrible decision, he's far behind in military and tech; I've decided to give him three military techs, Dynamite, Military Science and Replaceable parts, to give him a fighting chance. I expect the worse. Oda probably accepted a bribe to attack someone else, not weighting properly the defensive pact with France.

Two more artifacts excavated from french territory. I can finish them all in three turns, maybe Japan's attack will buy me that much. I don't look forward to Napoleon possibly snowballing, though. France still has a defensive pact with Babylon, Mongolia and Indonesia, attacking him directly would be detrimental to my trade. After three turns, I'll see if I can provoke Napoleon to attack me somehow.

My second prophet arrived in Japan safely, and can start converting the three cities next turn. I hope Napoleon isn't too fast with his siege.

Spoiler 69- Ki-ri-shi-tan Nippon :

Japan converted to Catholicism, and Nobunaga is even training catholic missionaries and inquisitors. This means I can have an extra vote in the WC from now on, more yields from Sainthood and no shintoist city left to revive this rival religion. That should cut Napoleon from a potential source of votes.

Nobunaga doesn't have the combat strength to face Napoleon, I'll have to intervene. I've digged all the antiquity sites in french lands and expended my prophet, so no more reason to wait. I have an extra reason to attack as well: my spy on Babylon's new capital (Nippur) found that Nebuchadnezzar is about to launch a naval attack on Japan. I'll trigger the defensive pact and hit Borsippa to derail him, while my northern front tries to force Napoleon to redirect his army to a faraway front. Declaring war also terminates the luxury trade with him, cutting more happiness for him and not losing much for me; coffee was banned anyways.

Diplomatically, that should have little impact on me. Hiawatha tried to bribe me to go to war against France, so he wants me to attack. France is sanctioned as well, and the oter two on the defensive pact, Mongolia and Indonesia, are weak and distant.

My Capital is building Cristo Redentor. Someone also researched Plastics and may be building it, either France or Babylon. I know it's not Iroquois, Poland or Indonesia, since I can trade either Electricity or Plastics with them. Japan and Mongolia are not even at Fertilizer. I hope that pressuring my potential wonder competitors can guarantee Cristo Redentor for me.

Spoiler 70- Learn to fly :

So, I researched Flight in order to build airplanes for my war, but I didn't research Combustion to reveal the Oil I need. Worry not, I'm going for Atomic Theory because Hexxon Refineries provide me copies of it. A neat perk of this corporation that I can delay Combustion, I have 12 oil from my offices, and I will get 4 more once I establishes 2 more offices in my recently annexed cities, Dur and Akkad.

The war against Napoleon and Babylon continues, and it's going extremely well on my fronts. France's happiness is at 61 after some pillaging, including key railroads to disconnect some of his cities from Paris. He is also losing his caravans and cargo ships, now that I have a decent navy next to his shore. His capital even had one turn of resistance, with rebels spawning. He isn't redirecting his attention away from Japan, though.

Babylon may lose Borsippa in time, they do not have a way to get an army to hit my siege units. I've allied a neighboring city-state, Kiev, that is between our borders. It can act as an extra front for me to pressure Babylon.

 

[Owlbebach]

You know it appears to me that you have a decent understanding of the game and it is time for you to join Deity club right away. You'll struggle for sure but i like your analytical approach, you'll learn.

I've read the whole thing and there are many minor mistakes here and there, but i think the most fun is to study them yourself. Just hit Immortal once to adjust and i'm sure you can challenge Deity. Just don't be afraid to be 10 techs behind and facing AI that has 100 units in Renaissance

 

[Legen]

Thanks. I'll try an Immortal game after this one; currently trying my best to ensure the AI won't be able to catch up in the lategame.

These deity photojournals around have helped me improve in this game, sometimes acting as a guidance on what I was neglecting. Also, slowing down the game to write these notes did help improving my play.

 

[CrazyG]

These deity photojournals around have helped me improve in this game, sometimes acting as a guidance on what I was neglecting. Also, slowing down the game to write these notes did help improving my play.

I've noticed this as well

 

[Legen]

Part 7:

Spoiler 71-72- Road to France :

I've established a large railroad connection between my allied city-states around the lake, circling with my own cities. This is giving me extra mobility to strike Napoleon throughout his south borders, from southwest to southeast. For now, I'm mostly pillaging stuff, as I need my core northern army to siege cities closer to my borders. But if I can keep pillaging his railroads, I can keep his cities disconnected from Paris, as well as ruin his gpt, which is currently at -450 per turn and only at a 121 reserve. He is also at 68 , maybe I can hope for a city flipping to my side on its own accord. I'd love to have some extra supply or, if a former japanese city, liberate it to aid my ally.

Cristo Redentor completed, boosting my culture and tourism. I'm now building bombers to deal with Babylon, whose cities and army are behind a large mountain range. I need a way to clear his army there in order to secure Borsippa and, if possible, liberate Ur. That city-state had one of my embassies, my hope is that I can reach there before peacing out.

Spoiler 73- A powerful friendship :

Lots of news in this war. Iroquois, Poland and I have a Declaration of Friendship with each other, making us a powerful block against France. Moreover, Babylon declares war on both Casimir and Hiawatha, with the latter having some ships near one of his cities, Opis. I may have the opportunity to find that city half damaged by the time I'm sending siege weapons there.

Babylon starts showing unhappiness, being at 5 now. France is at 85 , the capital in resistance again. I do not know how Napoleon can revert this situation now, I'm able to roam and pillage his lands, while sieging a city. Nobunaga should be able to defend his lands now; nonetheless, I've send 2k for him to purchase units. Hopefully I can prevent Japan from losing a city this way.

Spoiler 74- Manhattan Project :

Turn 325. I've completed the Manhattan project, giving me an atomic bomb. I do not really know where to use in the short run, it's outside any Capital range. I may use it on Paris later, or more likely, Marseille (it has the Red Fort). I've also completed Rationalism and am now deciding which policies I'd like next. I could go for Space Procurements, the +10% from research Labs there would be useful for me.

Japan is at peace with France, finally, and without losing a city. Also at peace with Babylon, no need to fear a naval attack. For now, I just need to capitalize on my good situation in this war; I am sieging Troyes, which has Petra, and could push further into other cities after that. On Babylon's side, I am about to capture Borsippa for that Forbidden Palace, and my air force is killing his units behind the mountain range one by one.

The world congress has been tame so far, though the Iroquois keep trying to pass Protestantism as world religion. I'm now proposing Catholicism for a change, and I have the votes to pass it and preserve it from future repeal proposals. On the domestic side, my cities have mostly run out of buildings to build and are now working on food processes, in an attempt to increase my supply cap.

Mongolia is near annihilated in his continent, but he managed to forcefully annex a city-state that liberated itself from France; he will be living in my continent now, covered in ice and having to deal with Napoleon as his new bully.

Spoiler 75-76- Babylon vassalized :

The war proceeds, Babylon lost Borsippa and had Ur liberated; I'm now the owner of Forbidden Palace. Furthermore, Babylon is now my vassal. I won't have the prospect of another two-front war anytime soon, and probably finish my CV long before he can be liberated.

France lost Troves and, with it, Petra. I'm advancing towards his capital, currently shelling Lyon with Artillery. I may decide to end the war earlier, I'd like to not draw attention from Poland and the Iroquois against me. The latter decided to declare war against France, so I'll likely benefit diplomatically from keeping the war going a bit longer.

I need five more techs to unlock Citizen Earth Protocol. While I'm focusing on science, I am keeping this war going to ensure Napoleon won't be in position to threaten me by the time I am building the final wonder.

Spoiler 77- A rival in shambles :

Turn 334. Lyon captured and puppeted, which paves my way to Paris. Simultaneously, Osaka, Shinto's holy city, flips back to Japan. I was sending the forces that fought Babylon to Osaka in hopes to liberate it, alongside a few units that were being trained in the Capital, with them arriving at Osaka's borders in 2 turns thanks to the railroad system. I wasn't expecting it to flip at that exact moment.

I decided to make peace with Napoleon at this point, however, he is crippled enough as it is. And I want him to remain an enemy that Poland, Iroquois and Japan still worry about, or they may turn their attention against me earlier than I want. Kyoto is Japan's original Capital, keeping it in Napoleon's hands means Nobunaga should still plot against him. And I fear that conquering Paris would be enough for Poland and Iroquois to stop seeing France as a serious competitor, even with the sanction.

Spoiler 78-79- Reforming the World Congress :

World Congress, without a proposal that I'm particularly worried about. I'm trying to pass Catholicism and I have the votes to ensure that. Especially now that Mongolia is left with a single catholic city in my continent, far away from any other religion's pressure. That means five civilizations following my religion, giving me a lot of potential votes and little opposition on this matter.

Poland proposed Travel Ban, which is too late at this point. I'm dominant with five civs, at 188.7% with Poland and 171.6% with Iroquois. Something abrupt would have to happen in order to revert it, and Travel ban isn't going to be it. I also have a great artist purchased in my Capital, plus another born in 21 turns, to convert the huge amount of GAP I've accumulated into two more tourism bombs. Everyone wants Travel Ban to pass, no point fighting it; I'll just leave a Yea vote here to gain Casimir's favor.

Hiawatha is playing for diplomatic victory, and is the only one wanting United Nations. I'm now first in Manufactured Goods in the demographics, so I have a decent shot at building the wonder. I'm indifferent for now, since a cultural victory is more promising for me; I'll be purchasing great scientists soon to rush telecommunications and finish the game. Until then, I'd prefer to not enable a victory that someone else is putting effort into and that would require me to compete for his city-states, leading him to plot against me. World Leadership requires 45 delegates, I have 32 (by the victory screen, a city-state became my ally this turn). One Yea vote to gain his favor and, if nobody opposes, just focus on the wonder to deny him the benefit.

By the way, Napoleon remains at 53 , I wouldn't be surprised to see another city flip in the following turns. He is also at -167 gpt, with no gold reserves and sanctioned. It doesn't matter how much he wants to do something against me, he should be unable to act.

Spoiler 80- United Nations :

All proposals passed, with Travel Ban receiving 36 Yea votes from the other civs. Also, not a single Nay vote on any proposal.

I put all non-puppeted cities working on the United Nations project, snatching it from my competition. Admittedly, I forgot that the wonder for highest contribution triggers a Golden Age, that is actually highly desirable for me, essentially a free great artist. I want some free Carnivals in my cities, especially with the new conquests needing some boost. Curiously, Broadway's culture for building stuff triggers for both the Consulate national wonder (silver) and the United Nations wonder (gold), speeding my next policy by 1 turn.

I proposed World's Fair for another potential Golden Age trigger. That its wonder can provide me additional science is another boon on my way to Telecommunications. Production as well, you never know when it can shave a turn from the Citizen Earth Protocol. France, Poland, Iroquois and Indonesia would also be grateful for it, that could allow me to propose something they dislike next session. Likely passing Catholicism again, or having to vote Nay on someone trying to repeal it.

Now is turn 338. Japan declared war on France, which is still at 47 and -178 gpt. I know Nobunaga did it on his own accord because, when looking at his option to make peace with France, it doesn't say it's blocked by a diplomatic situation; rather, it states warscore as a condition (must be above 75, current: -4). He must be trying to reclaim his original Capital and now has good chances to succeed.

The other proposals are Poland repealing the sanction on France, and Iroquois repealing Catholicism as the World Religion. Most civs want to vote Yea on the latter, including catholic civs, since I have 40 votes now. I can probably prevent it and still get the World's Fair, as nobody opposes my proposal. About France's sanction, only Iroquois want to maintain it among the civs that I have insight for sharing ideology. Japan will certainly vote to maintain the sanction, given the war.

 

[Legen]

Part 8:

Spoiler 81-82- The endgame :

Turn 345. The french city Tours secedes from France and is now the city-state of Geneva. That city had Notre Dame, by the way, and I wouldn't be surprised if it had some great works as well. I'd be tempted to conquer it if it were much earlier, but I still get more from the vote it would give me if I ally it. I'm sending diplomats to ally it, military units to protect it and workers to build railroads. This city has a lot of land in the center of France, keeping on my side means I have a lot of leverage in case of a war.

I'm now 1 turn to Telecommunications, and built Bletchley Park; the free great scientist allowing me to tech this fast. I'm now to build the Citizen Earth Protocol and finish the game.

Also, another policy, Economic Union, so I can have more trade routes giving my capital the +10% thanks to my Hexxon Refineries corporation. My capital now gets +80% this way, on top of an exta 78% from other sources. I select many specialists and tiles manually to maximize production, which means not letting my capital just work food-only tiles. Many laborers as well; this cuts the number of turns needed to complete it by 2. That a city-state had a production quest just as I started the CEP helps with another turn.

My opponents are still in the Modern Era, I've managed to tech way before the AI bonuses could reach the exponential scaling that so sharply marks their lategame comeback.

Spoiler 83- The last World Congress :

Last World Congress, World's Fair and repealing sanctions on France pass. Catholicism is still the world religion. I'm now just proposing something that pelases my top competitors, the Citizen Earth Protocol will be completed before the next session comes anyway.

In any case, my satellite cities are working on the World's Fair. Getting the Crystal Palace can still boost my production in the capital, small as it is. Same for a free policy going for Statecraft's opener. And any city capable of buying an ambassor is doing so, any alliance can help against the AI entering panic mode.

Japan adopts an Ideology. Order, for some reason...

Spoiler 84-85-86- Victory, at last! :

I won the CV on turn 352. A few small things happened in these turns until completion, none that could affect the final outcome. Iroquois sent two prophets crossing my lands, to which I bought inquisitors in my cities as soon as I saw them. I remained the host of the WC as the world moved to the Atomic Era. France vassalized the Mongols. Some AIs asked for things like open borders and votes. Overall, the AIs didn't derail their way to stop me; my impression was that they react to tourism getting close to influential, but not to the construction of the Citizen Earth Protocol...

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the read! Feel free to ask questions and point out what could have been different.

Spoiler 87-88-89- Additional stats :