OK. Building a wonder in the next 23 turns. This might be possible. It also might not, but what the RNGod decrees, his mindless minions must scramble to at least attempt.
I first remove the old objective signs, having been duly achieved, and remember that I must roll for my own personal.
The old Harvey Wallbanger. A personal favourite, I have to say. Ahem, numerical value of 3 means:
3 Learn a tech
Interesting. Considering masonry is due in 2 turns, I think Ive got that pretty well covered! I take this as further indication from our Lord that he wants us to build him a glorious tribute from stone. So shall I attempt, He Who Is Random.
Now, state of the union.
Beijing (3): Grows in 6, Buddhist Monastery due in 4, Currently UNDEFENDED.
Shanghai (3): Grows in 7, Barracks due in 9, Defended by an unpromoted warrior.
Guangzhou (1): Grows in 15, Monument due in 21*, Defended by an unpromoted warrior.
* Both of our workers are chopping a forested hill next to Guangzhou which is due in at the end of next turn. This will obviously reduce the time it takes to build the monument.
Holy random crap were light on for defence! What happens when the barbies start appearing, and soon Id imagine? I dont like to be a doomsayer, but were running this dangerously close to a losing position here.
I think Im going to whip the monastery in Beijing and use the overflow for a warrior. I dont want to lost all of the hammers already invested, or even some of them through the inevitable decay that will occur by me going for a wonder next. Whippy time.
SO Beijing is now pop 2 with growth in 5 and a monastery due next turn.
As a footnote, it puzzles me as to why weve farmed the wine square. Im not sure Ive seen any explanation of why this was done, Im just going to assume our workers had nothing better to do at the time.
OK. Time to hit enter.
Turn 1 (880BC):
Beijing > Buddhist Monastery > Warrior (1) <<< The plan worked perfectly. Masonry due in 1, along with our warrior.
The forest chop comes in for Guangzhou, reducing the monument build to 5 turns. Acceptable.
Id quite like to see us get the iron down to our south hooked up, but it will probably require another city which I just dont feel we can afford right now. Our military may have to be horsey based for a while.
OH SWEET MOTHER OF CRAP. I KNEW THIS WOULD HAPPEN.
So what now? We have nothing that can even consider defending against the likes of an axeman. Beijing doesnt have a barracks, so the warrior to be produced will not even have any promotions. Were screwed, guys. Royally. Ill play this out the best I can, but seriously, were toast.
I move Guanzhous defending warrior on to a forested hill on the off chance the axe will go that way instead of to our momentarily undefended capital. Even if he does come to Guang, I doubt even the forested hill will make a difference. I dont think Ive ever beaten an axe with a warrior.
Turn 2 (865BC):
Masonry > Hunting (6) <<< For archery
Beijing > Warrior > The Pyramids (183) <<< The whole game is gone anyway, I might as well try with lots of chops.
Axe is milling around down near Guang. Maybe hell linger there for a while, but as soon as he turns northward, we have nothing to match him.
Turn 3 (850BC):
The axeman is still hanging around but not advancing.
OK, we MIGHT have time here, but I still doubt it. Im beginning the chops for the Pyramids and hoping archery will come in in time to save our asses.
Turn 4 (835BC):
The axe disappeared into the fog!!!
Turn 5 (820BC):
All is quiet. The only sound is of our friendly axes hitting trees. Beijing has grown, reducing the Pyramids to a mere 103 turns.
Turn 6 (805BC):
Guang > Monument > Warrior (11) <<< Either for defence, or for a new iron city. Or both.
Turn 7 (790BC):
Khan offers us Open Borders which I accept. With so little military, we need friends.
2 forest chops come in to Beijing to reduce the Pyramids to 88. The city will grow again in 4. Few more chops might get us over the line, but it will be dicey.
Still no sign of Mr. Axe. If I can just get archery happening and a few archers trained, well be safe. I wouldnt have believed it possible back on turn 2.
Turn 8 (775BC):
Hunting > Archery (8)
Get into position for 2 more chops.
Huayna converts to Hinduism. Cow loving freak.
Turn 9 (760BC):
Shanghai > Barracks > Worker (10) <<< We only have 2
The dreaded BIADL chime is heard. Oh no
please dont let it be
PHEW. Still alive.
Turn 10 (745BC):
A barb warrior is sighted NW of Guang.
We could take him, so long as he doesnt have backup.
Turn 11 (730BC):
Barb disappears. I cant honestly believe our luck here. Im beginning to wonder if I should have gone for the Great Wall, but I dont think wed have made it. Im expecting it to be BIADL any turn now (and wed still be about 5-6 turns away I think).
Beijing has grown, reducing Pyramids to 59 turns.
Turn 12 (715BC):
I feel slightly better now.

We wouldnt have made GW in time. Barb warrior is back now, but Im strangely cavalier about our previously impending doom.
Turn 13 (700BC):
2 Forest chops come in but only reduce Pyramids to 53. A little MMing brings that back to 40. This may not work, but what the RNGod wants
Turn 14 (685BC):
Move into position for 2 more forest chops, on tiles not currently being worked, so theyre pure profit.
Turn 15 (670BC):
I start the 2 chops, plant a sign reminding the next player to build a wonder in the next 13 turns, and marvel at the fact that were still alive.
Archery is due in 1 (next player can hope to roll a 3 for their personal objective

), and Beijing is due a border expansion in 4 turns that will bring the iron within our borders. Id suggest we either make a city down there, or at least road to it and mine it quick smart.
Pyramids are due in 38 with another city growth in 14, so that wont help. Someone could probably do the numbers on chop yield and whether its possible to finish the Pyramids in the next 13 turns, but I cant be arsed.
We're still awfully close to a loss here. Archers can be whipped out in a panic though, so it looks like we may survive. Seriously, I can't believe I began that turnset with 2 warriors, 2 workers, and an undefended capital which was building a monastery!!!!!!!!!
And thats all she (or more accurately, I) wrote!