I am your slave! :)

[CommandoBob]

If we build Statue to Zeus that is a good start on a 20K city. However, since this an Anarchy game, orders could really screw up a 20K attempt.

 

[Raliuven]

Post the latest save.

So that we can make intelligent orders (or at least avoid some stupid ones!)

Spoiler :

In the year 1600 BC Hannibal sat upon his throne brooding over the decisions that would guide Carthage for the next 25 years. At least, he mused, there were nice footpaths to pace and the lawn looked as if someone cared about the image of Carthage. Perhaps Hannibal could live the Carthaginian dream as well?

What to do for the next 25 years. Hannibal could not decide. He knew that he would need some input from the gods. He sent word to the priests for divine inspiration and the priests of CommandoBob responded first.

"Great and mighty Hannibal, have you forgotten the use of the internet?" The priests demanded.

"Ummm,” Hannibal looked around for his science advisor. "I do recall the internet. I have commanded my cultural advisor to commission paintings of our world in painstaking detail. I have then commanded my science advisor to post them to the internet via a strange ritual called the 'photobucket'. Though I will not pretend to know how this is acomplished, has this not pleased the gods?"

The priests of CommandoBob nodded in their sagely way. "Yes, these do please the gods, even those that are just lurking. But now it is time for you to give the gods a more detailed account of the workings of Carthage. You shall order your domestic advisor to collect data into a 'save' file and then command your science advisory to post this as well to the internet. Then the gods may give you better directions to build Carthage into the most divine nation upon the world."

Hannibal did not hesitate though it was not lost upon him that the priest had said it would be the most divine, not necessarily the strongest or longest lived. He issued the commands immediately for such divine work to begin. The domestic advisor looked a little troubled at the prospects of such work but set to it with vigor. Hannibal was pleased with the work and was certain that this would curry favor from the gods.

I'll have the next set posted sometime tonight.

 

[Raliuven]

Here is the next set - as I noted over in the SG forum, I'm having trouble with my computer badcomp, so I had to replay a few of these turns. I've keep good track of what's done, so I don't feel too bad about reloading, sometimes from autosaves as necessary. For example, if you look at the 1600BC save, you'll see the 4th and 6th warriors were not renamed - that's because I had to reload from an autosave and play forward and I forgot to name then again. Once I realized the mistake, I renamed them again, so all is well in Carthage.

Turn 57-66

Static Orders (cannot be overridden without consent of ordering player):

1. Play 5CC (5 city challenge) (pi4t)
2. Never interrupt any Worker actions except to avoid capture (Elephantium)
3. Make at least 6 tiles between cities. (alzgamer)
4. Betty from Account Temps must always work with Bob from Account Temps, in the same tile doing the same task as Bob, for the rest of the game.
5. Rename every unit you produce for the rest of the game.
6. Following the lead from Bob and Betty from Account Temps, each produced native worker must be given a name beginning with the letter B. Slaves, whether captured, traded for or produced by a foreign city, do not need special names, only something like Dutch01.

Actions (things to get done):


1. Name the 5th city Hannibalopolis and build it on a luxury. (CommandoBob)
2. Once you're out of the AA, never build another Settler, except to settler-abandon a city. Delay leaving the AA as long as you need to in order to have sufficient settlers. (Elephantium) - this one rather optimistically assumes the game will make it out of the AA! I've got to DOW on the first civ I meet. Hope the gods are happy building a lot of warriors!
3. Name your first army POP's Elite Rangers and fill it with the most modern of the Swordsman ->Med. Inf. -> Guerrilla -> TOW Infantry chain. (Prince of Persia)
4. Build a Granary in Amsterdam after the Worker finishes. (Elephantium)
5. Rename every unit you produce for the rest of the game. Here is a list of names to help: [Civinator's Chargers (for a mounted unit - hopefully A-Cav!), x, Dick & Harry (ideally, these three should be the same unit type), Peter Peter (name of civ at war) Beater, The King's Own, The Watch (for a defensive garrison unit somewhere), The Tusks of Justice, The Peanut Brigade, The Crimson Eagles, The Bears, The Snakes, The Eagles, The Hawks, The Rabbits, The Mice, The Jaguars, The Wolves, The Foxes, The Leopards]
6. Do not build or capture the Great Library. Instead, self-research, trade, or pointy-stick research your advances. (Elephantium)
7. After Mathematics, set research for the Republic slingshot. (Elephantium)


Orders Completed this Set:

1. Change Caseyboy97's build to a Barracks. (Revoked)
2. Post the latest save.
3. Following the lead from Bob and Betty from Account Temps, each produced native worker must be given a name beginning with the letter B. Slaves, whether captured, traded for or produced by a foreign city, do not need special names, only something like Dutch01. (CommandoBob)

Spoiler :

Hannibal heard the shuffle of feet on his new sidewalks in the year 1625 BC. It made him very happy that the people of Smilin’ Bob were keeping their promise to maintain Hannibal’s lawn. It was a show of respect and honor. So it was with strong coffee and small triangular cakes that Hannibal greeted his guests this time.

The priests of CommandoBob looked over their welcome and approved of Hannibal’s hospitality. “Great Hannibal, we have consulted with the other gods and we believe that the Carthaginian people owe Bob and his Account Temps our gratitude.”

Hannibal could find no way to argue against words spoken so just. “I could not agree more with the divine wisdom of CommandoBob. What is it that you have in mind as a reward?” Hannibal held his breath. He knew his people were even now wandering in the south, looking for a place to found a new city. For a brief moment he saw Hannibalopolis, proud and strong. And posted at the city gates was a sign. Welcome to Bobsville. He shuddered.

His thoughts were ill concealed. The priests of CommandoBob smiled reassuringly at Hannibal and they said, “Rest easy, Hannibal. We suggest only this – in tribute of the training of Bob – and Betty – and their account temps that have done so well for Carthage, all work teams shall be organized in their honor and image. And along with that image, shall be a name befitting Bob and Betty’s contribution. But at no time shall slave bands be given this honor. They shall be given only a number along with their nationality. That is all they deserve for their slovenly performance.”

Hannibal thought this to be fair compensation for the account temps and also an accurate critique of the slave workers, though the workers from Account Temps cost the Carthaginian people support while the slaves took used almost no resources at all.

Nevertheless, he immediately posted an edict to honor the divine wisdom of the gods. He issued his first order to comply with the will of the gods – this order was sent to Casey’s Boys changing their name to Boyz of Casey97. He also received the happy news that Amsterdam was now connected to the rest of Carthage via roads. Hannibal issued orders for the Boyz of Casey97 to begin a mine for Amsterdam.

There were also reports that the Adamantium Warriors had encountered skirmishers from a band of hostile natives known as they Mycenians. The leaders of the Adamantium Warriors were conscientious of the fact that they were accompanying thousands of Carthaginian citizens to found a new city. Runners were sent to the band of Elephant’s Revenge and they diverted towards the troublesome natives. Unfortunately it was discovered that these barbaric tribes had fortified themselves in the mountains to the extreme south of Carthage.

All remained quiet until 1525 BC. A new band of Numidian Mercenaries were trained. Hannibal unrolled a scroll he had received from Elephantium. This scroll was a permanent reminder to give every unit a name and battle standard. Checking the list he saw a worthy name – Tom. Tom was ordered towards Caseyboy97’s Asylum to guard the account temps as they worked their way towards New Crobuzon.

Hannibal now commissioned a mighty sea vessel known as a Curragh. The seaworthy Carthaginians would do well to sail the seas to find more people with which to trade.

Word of more barbarians also arrived, Elephant’s Revenged charged onto a nearby hill to block their progress north. They would not be allowed to fall upon Caseyboy97’s Asylum. Once atop the hill they could see smoke from the fires of even more Mycenian warriors in the nearby forest. It looked as if the warriors of Carthage had moved into a well designed trap. The Adamantium Warriors moved to meet with Elephant’s Revenge, gaining the high ground on a mountain. The leaders, their blood up, did not think much of the hardship this caused the Carthaginian settlers they were accompanying.

On the eve of battle Hannibal was informed of unrest in Smilin’ Bob and he sneered. Unpatriotic citizens! He ordered gold thrown into the streets and prayed to the gods that they would choke on it. Luckily this gold was meant for the treasury and it did not impede the scientists in their arcane work on mathematics.

By 1500 BC the Carthaginians discovered the secrets of mathematics. “Now,” Hannibal’s science advisor said with great confidence, “We can calculate our income and the passage of time.”

Hannibal lifted one eyebrow. “Is that not what we have been doing for the last 2500 years?”

The scientists looked a little abashed. Then they quickly said, “But Great Hannibal, now we can also correctly calculate the weight and stress factors for our Statue to Elephantium. We may now change these ‘pyramids’ into a Statue.”

Hannibal smiled wide. “I like this ‘math’. Perhaps I shall take lessons. It shall be as you say.” But Hannibal worried that it would take a very long to finish the Statue with so few citizens in Caseyboy97’s Asylum. As the people in Smilin’ Bob were being difficult and the foreman for the slaves band reported it would be another 1000 years before the new mine was ready to operate, Hannibal ordered a new work band to be formed in Smilin’ Bob after the Curragh was built. This band’s only purpose would be move to Caseyboy97’s Asylum and increase the working population.

But something still troubled Hannibal. “Why is this Statue called the Statue of Zeus if it is being built in honor of Elephantium?”

“Oh, that,” The Carthaginian cultural advisor mumbled from the rear of the throne room. “Zeus is the name of the construction company hired to build the statue. For patenting and brand name reasons, the statue must bear the logo of the company. If we fail to do so, we may face stiff penalties and a period of incarceration of up to ten years.”

“Patent and brand names?” Hannibal said. “Where did those come from?”

“Writing, Great Hannibal.” The scientist said cheerfully.

Hannibal considered this carefully, imaging all of the scientists’ severed heads smiling from spears around his cave. The image was fleeting. He could barely manage to convince his people to maintain the lawn. Properly caring for a heads on a spear was probably beyond them.

“Will the prison have a door?” He asked, looking at his own meager accommodations and wondered how much more ‘research’ Carthage could withstand.

“Great Hannibal,” The Cultural advisor interrupted his consideration. “It may bear that logo, but we are free to call it whatever we want. This is not such a big deal and we cannot part with your leadership for five to ten years and the penalties could bankrupt our treasury.”

“So be it.” Hannibal said, relenting. “But what shall secrets shall we investigate next? We could learn the workings of iron or mysticism – that would please the priests, surely. The wheel? The Code of the Warrior? The making of maps or literature? Laws? Philosophy?”

“Code of Laws shall be the path of Carthage.” The priest of Elephantium decreed. “Carthage is to be a republic. To do this expediently, we must first codify our laws and then study philosophy. This shall be your path unless you find you can trade for such knowledge. Upon learning philosophy, it shall give us such knowledge that we will be able to unravel the secrets of the republic with little time or investment. All of these other lowly techs can be bartered for with other nations.”

Hannibal bowed to the wisdom of Elephantium but not without concern did he obey. “Great Elephantium, when Carthage is a republic, what role shall I then serve?”

“Fear not, Hannibal. It is decreed by the gods that you shall lead Carthage for a total of 6050 years, for good or ill. If the time be shorter then it will be because Carthage is no more or because the whole world has bowed to Carthage’s greatness and you will have come to understand the wisdom that belongs to the gods.”

Hannibal was relieved by these words and watched as the scientist left with their orders. Hannibal gave them as much gold as he could afford – most of what the people of Carthage made each year. Gold was now being drawn from the treasury to sustain the happiness of Smilin’ Bob.

As the scientists and priests left his throne room, a runner from Elephant’s Revenge staggered into the room. The Mycenians were indeed hostile – a band had set upon his unit in the night.

“And what news do you bring of my elite band?” Hannibal demanded.

“Great lord, Hannibal. The elite warriors of Elephant’s Revenge should have slept soundly in their beds that night. But the wise leaders had us lay awake, axes in hand. When the barbarians attempted to climb the hill, we leapt to our feet. Our axes found their marks and the band was slain to the last man. We had so few injuries that our leader declared us fit for battle and we moved to join with the Adamantium Warriors. Our groups are now ready to disperse these Mycenian barbarians!”

Hannibal snarled with joy. “Bring me back their heads and all else that you can find. If there are any shrubberies, bring them back too.”

The runner bowed to his great lord, not daring to mention that he was a warrior, not a gardener.

In the great year of 1475 BC Hannibal received wonderful news from the southern battlefront. The Mycenian warriors were no more, though scouts from the Elephant’s Revenge reported that some of the Mycenian women and children fled into the surrounding hills and the leaders of the band decided it was not worth chasing them down. “It may be,” the scout reported, “that we will encounter the Mycenians again, but if so, it will not be for a long time.”

The barbarian camp had been overrun and gold ingots totaling 25 pieces of gold in weight was returned to Carthage, adding a nice lining to Hannibal’s war chest. Elephant’s revenge further reported seeing smoke from a nearby camp of villagers. It appeared to them that the Mycenians were harassing these godly people. Hannibal directed Elephant’s Revenge to make contact and see if the villagers would be gracious for the safety afforded by the nearby Carthaginian war bands.

Simultaneously a runner from the Adamantium Warriors reported of their raid against the remaining Mycenian units, encamped on a hill. The charge was flawless and the warriors performed as they had been trained at the barracks of Smilin’ Bob. As a result, the leaders of the band now rated their unit as elite.

The leaders of the band could not figured out why the Mycenians had stood so fierce, dying to the man even in the face of an overpowering assault. Then they discovered the hill had gold deposits readily at the surface – the likely source of the gold ingots found by Elephant’s Revenge in their encampment.

In the year 1450 BC, Carthage’s first boat was launched, a Curragh. Hannibal had not yet thought of a name for the Curragh but temporarily called it “Smilin’ Sails’, for he knew how the priests hated units without names. The ship set sail for the east coast, to explore these ‘whales’ and see what the Dutch were up to. Hannibal ordered a worker band produced from Smilin’ Bob to journey to Caseyboy97’s Asylum to help the Zeus Corporation complete the Statue of Elephantium faster.

Things were happening quickly in the lands of Carthage. In 1425 BC Hannibal was again confronted by his cultural advisor. She happily reported that Smilin’ Bob was a cultural wonder of the world and that is influence had expanded once more.

Hannibal looked over the report, thinking carefully. “So now our culture encompasses a lot more tundra?”

The cultural advisor looked a little abashed and quickly departed. This was good because Hannibal was waiting for the runners from Elephant’s Revenge to bring him tidings from the native village to the south. The wait was well worth it. Upon entering the camp the elite warriors discovered that these villagers were not helpless at all. These were Numidians, the same people that were assisting Carthage to train their new units. They knew the secrets of the warrior code, though many of their men folk had died fighting with the Mycenians.

The elders happily joined the elite band, promising to teach all of Carthage the secrets of the code so that they could extend their protection over the entire area. This was very fortunate for Carthage, Hannibal knew.

While organizing the village of Numidians to return to Smilin’ Bob, Elephant’s Revenge made contact with a new and strangely dressed people. They called themselves the Japanese. They had been moving towards the Numidian village as well. Hannibal smiled that Carthage had been the quicker –and thus more fortunate, of the two. It was also lucky that these new people had an emissary with them that was authorized to conduct trade. These new people had little knowledge compared to Carthage; but they did know the secrets of The Wheel and they carried 10 pieces of gold with them. The Japanese did not know masonry, the alphabet, or pottery. This also meant they did not have a magic ‘8-ball’ of their very own. Hannibal wondered, not without a little cynicism, how the priests of these people made decisions. He considered trading them a few 8-balls but reconsidered. That would probably be considered an act of war.

He quickly pushed such thoughts aside. If they did not know the alphabet, that meant they also did not know writing or mathematics. Carthage was way in advance of the Japanese! Hannibal felt a little disdainful, but decided to allow an offer of the alphabet for their wheel and all 10 pieces of their gold. The Japanese emissary wisely agreed to this deal. Hannibal found it funny because the Netherlanders knew the alphabet but did not now the wheel – had they met the Japanese first, things might have occurred very different indeed. Once again Hannibal had driven a spear into this Dutch enemies – an economic spear, perhaps, but not less deadly.

At the end of this trade of technology, the Carthaginian science advisor appeared before Hannibal and bowed deeply. “Lord Hannibal, we now know all of the basic technology of the Ancient Age. With your leadership and the blessings of the gods we shall dominate all the peoples of this land!”

“Indeed.” Said Hannibal. “I have spent some time learning this ‘math’ as you call it and I noticed something. Why are we counting DOWN the years, rather than UP?”

The scientist shrugged. “The priests told us it was the year 4000 BC. We just assumed we were supposed to be counting down to something.”

“What will we do when we reach zero?” Hannibal asked. If the priests were correct, he would live for another 2050 years after that.

The scientists shrugged, unconcerned. “I guess we’ll start counting up again. Just remember, great lord, we can do many wonderful things with mathematics. The Carthaginian people are lucky to have you as their leader.”

Hannibal agreed and dismissed the science advisor. Kind words were one thing. Adding a new porch to his cave would be a true show of respect.

It was not long before more runners arrived to report the presence of horses – great beasts that could be ridden by warriors into battle. Until learning the wheel no one had known what to do with these creatures and so they had been ignored.

“Well, bring them all to Smilin’ Bob.” Hannibal ordered.

He knew there was trouble when his chief trade advisor appeared. She was Betty’s sister, Brenda, and had handled many of the trade of Carthage with excellence. He trusted her implicitly.

“Great Hannibal, we cannot move these beasts. Though they may be trained into very versatile fighting mounts, the herds cannot be moved from their native plains. We must leave them were they are so they may breed and multiple and provide us mounts for many years to come.”

Hannibal nodded. “The how do we harvest these beasts so that our people may use them?”

“We must send a work band to create a colony. The singular purpose of these workers and the colony will be to supply Carthage with horses. These animals, quite fortuitously, roamed along the trade road to Amsterdam so they should be easy to claim and protect – we would want to post a guard along this route anyway. This is the prefect place.”

Hannibal readily agreed and planned to do as Brenda the Trade Advisor bid.

In 1400 BC, Smilin’ Bob had gathered a new work band, Ben from Account Temps. This work band was sent running towards Caseboy97’s Asylum to join with the city work force. Smilin’ Bob was still crowded so Hannibal ordered another work group to be created immediately.

Meanwhile, the Dutch slaves, now known as Dutch01, were finished building their mine upon the grassland with tobacco. The slaves were sent to the next tobacco lands to do the same.

At the end of 1350 BC, Ben had joined the workers at Caseyboy97’s Asylum. A new band of workers was created in Smilin’ Bob and given the name of Bruce the All Might Account Temp. This new Account Temp was sent to continue improving the area around Caseboy97’s Asylum now that both Bob and Betty were working their way towards New Crobuzon under the protection of Tom’s Numindian Mercenaries.

 

[Elephantium]

Name all naval units after battle victories.

Dispersing Barbarian tribes counts for this.

More unit names...

The Bees
The Wasps
The Hornets

The Deer
The Elk
The Lions
The Tigers
(you already have The Bears)
The Dogs
The Falcons

 

[Raliuven]

Turn 67-76

Static Orders (cannot be overridden without consent of ordering player):

1. Play 5CC (5 city challenge) (pi4t)
2. Never interrupt any Worker actions except to avoid capture (Elephantium)
3. Make at least 6 tiles between cities. (alzgamer)
4. Betty from Account Temps must always work with Bob from Account Temps, in the same tile doing the same task as Bob, for the rest of the game.
5. Rename every unit you produce for the rest of the game.
6. Following the lead from Bob and Betty from Account Temps, each produced native worker must be given a name beginning with the letter B. Slaves, whether captured, traded for or produced by a foreign city, do not need special names, only something like Dutch01.
7. Name all naval units after battle victories. (Elephantium)
8. Once you learn Feudalism, modified Oscillating War rules go into effect. There is no obligation to kill off another civ entirely, but you must always be at war with someone.




Actions (things to get done):


1. Name the 5th city Hannibalopolis and build it on a luxury. (CommandoBob)
2. Once you're out of the AA, never build another Settler, except to settler-abandon a city. Delay leaving the AA as long as you need to in order to have sufficient settlers. (Elephantium)
3. Name your first army POP's Elite Rangers and fill it with the most modern of the Swordsman ->Med. Inf. -> Guerrilla -> TOW Infantry chain. (Prince of Persia)
4. Rename every unit you produce for the rest of the game. Here is a list of names to help: [Civinator's Chargers (for a mounted unit - hopefully A-Cav!), Peter Peter (name of civ at war) Beater, The King's Own, The Watch (for a defensive garrison unit somewhere), The Tusks of Justice, The Peanut Brigade, The Crimson Eagles, The Bears, The Snakes, The Eagles, The Hawks, The Rabbits, The Mice, The Jaguars, The Wolves, The Foxes, The Leopards, The Bees, The Wasps, The Hornets, The Deer, The Elk, The Lions, The Tigers, (you already have The Bears), The Dogs, The Falcons]
6. Do not build or capture the Great Library. Instead, self-research, trade, or pointy-stick research your advances. (Elephantium)
7. After Mathematics, set research for the Republic slingshot. (Elephantium)

Orders Completed this Set:

1. Build a Granary in Amsterdam after the Worker finishes. (Elephantium)
2. Name all naval units after battle victories. (Elephantium)


For those that may be lurking, here are the Rules for giving orders:
Rules:
1. If orders are in conflict, the first order takes precedence. (OP)
2. Specifically note if an order should not be overridden. (I’ll move it to the Static Orders lists) (OP)
3. You may not command me to disband units or cities. (OP)
4. I will not follow orders that have the singular purpose of ending the game prematurely. (Raliuven)
5. I will play the game in 10 turn increments or until I have accomplished all outstanding actions, whichever comes first. (Raliuven)
6. Orders are posted in bold print. (Raliuven)
7. No successive posts by the same person unless 48 hours have passed with no other posts. (CommandoBob)

Otherwise Hannibal will pretty much do (or try to do) whatever you command!

Spoiler :

It was the year 1325 BC when Hannibal was approached once more by Brenda the Trade Advisor. The Carthaginian Science Advisor was also in attendance, looking slightly concerned.

“Lord Hannibal, my band of emissaries has kept a close tab on the development of the Japanese. There were whispers, little more than rumors, that the Japanese were exploring the secrets of working iron. This has turned out to be more than rumors. We have reports of Japanese smiths turning out swords which they may one day use to arm samurai.”

Hannibal did not like the sound of these samurai; he liked it as little as he liked the fact that the Japanese had knowledge of something the Carthaginians did not. “Is it possible that we can convince them to reveal the secrets of the working of iron?”

Hannibal was much relieved by Brenda’s smile. “Indeed, Lord Hannibal. They will part with it for as little as the secrets of pottery and masonry. This will still reserve the secrets of writing and mathematics for later trades.”

Hannibal smiled upon this new trade and told Brenda to make this trade for the Carthaginian people. With this new knowledge, scouts moved into the surrounding areas to search for this new material called iron. Some deposits were found; unfortunately they were rather far away from all the cities of Carthage. This was unfortunate though Brenda once more assured Hannibal that a colony could supply Carthage with sufficient iron for their needs.

Much news was delivered to Hannibal in 1300 BC – the Curragh “Battle of Amsterdam” had encountered fishing boats from a tundra village. The Battle of Amsterdam was too small to carry any marines that could be landed to make contact and it the Captain requested orders by pigeon. Hannibal cursed this limitation but there was noting that could be done for now.

Further news reached Smilin’ Bob that Elephant’s Revenge had encountered hostile warriors from a tribe known as the Toltecs. The Japanese warriors had moved deeper into the mountains, perhaps to pursue them, but if so there was a lot to be said for Japanese ‘efficiency’. Carthage would need deal this problem. The elite unit maneuvered onto a nearby hill and awaited the inevitable charge of the Toltec warriors. The Toltecs took the bait and charged to their death upon Carthaginian axes. The elite unit had again survived with no appreciable wounds. When morning dawned, Elephant’s Revenge reported finding more elephant herds and horses. It was a possible site, if not the most desirable, for Carthage’s 5th city, for the land was otherwise of little immediate value. Further scouting would be necessary.

In 1250 BC a new band of Numidian Mercenaries were trained. Richard the Stout was their appointed warleader, but the men just called him Dick. Thus the band became the Band of Dick. Dick’s band was immediately deployed to Amsterdam.

Elephant’s Revenge reported that the Toltec camp had been sighted and there was no sign of the Japanese warrior that had been in the area. Either it was dead or had fled the area. Either way, it was once more upon the elite Carthaginian unit to secure the area. It was the Toltec’s misfortune to be facing the holy band of warriors, for they too were ivory poachers. This heathen band was dispersed without significant problem and 25 gold pieces worth of sacred ivory was returned to the priests of Smilin’ Bob. This ivory would be used on the holy Statue to Elephantium, a reminder to any other would-be poachers of the sacred elephants.

In 1200 BC Amsterdam completed it granary and began the construction of a temple to the gods. This would increase its cultural influence and domination of the area, bringing both grapes and the field of cows under the control of the city.

Things had begun to move very fast for Carthage – a third band of Numidian Mercenaries were trained under the expert leadership of Harry the Horrible in 1150 BC. Though a difficult commander, he demanded and received perfection from his men – and each man knew the man next to him was the best, so they tolerated Harry’s gruff mannerisms, knowing it would pay off when they were faced with battle.

Next Hannibal ordered the creation of a work band to establish a colony over the horses that roamed between Caseyboy97’s Asylum and Amsterdam.

Dick’s band of Numidian Mercenaries had fortified in Amsterdam and released the dominators to try to make contact with the native seen by the Battle of Amsterdam in the Northeastern tundra.

A carry pigeon from the Battle of Amsterdam reported finding large gem deposits embedded in the hills near the new Dutch cities as well as more natives. As the Dutch had been under attack by barbarians when the Carthaginians first met them, it was very possible they were weary of further contact with these bands. Hannibal carried not for their delicate sensibilities – he had found these villagers to be mostly beneficial to Carthage, even if only as fodder for his soldiers to practice upon.

At the close of 1100 BC, Smilin’ Bob had organized another band under Ben the Account Temp. Ben’s mission would be to create the colony upon the horses as directed by Brenda. When this was complete he was ordered to return to Smilin’ Bob to organize a new band of workers to make their way towards the iron deposits found to the west of Caseyboy97’s Asylum.

Hannibal had further ordered a new curragh to be commissioned – this one would move on a westward coast.

Al was going quite well with Carthage. The scientists stopped by Hannibal’s cave to report that they had finally completed codifying the law of the Carthage and were now exploring philosophy. This, they assured him, would lead them to Republic as fast as possible. This, in turn, would please the priests of Elephantium. That, in turn, would please Hannibal. They reported it would take only 225 years to learn these secrets. This, Hannibal though, was progress – or at least a close approximation of it.

 

[tR1cKy]

i'll be following this

 

[Elephantium]

Once you learn Feudalism, modified Oscillating War rules go into effect.

There is no obligation to kill off another civ entirely, but you must always be at war with someone, declaring war on Civ 2 before signing peace with Civ 1.

Phony wars are permitted. (static order)

 

[Raliuven]

Once you learn Feudalism, modified Oscillating War rules go into effect.

There is no obligation to kill off another civ entirely, but you must always be at war with someone (static order)

I've never played Oscillating War, so just to summarize, the basic idea is that by the end of any given turn I must be at war with at least one civ? Does it matter if I DOW or if they DOW?

 

[Elephantium]

That's pretty close The rule for this game means you have to declare war on a second civ before you make peace with the first one.

It doesn't matter who declares -- feel free to trick the hapless AI into declaring to your heart's content

One clarification: Phony wars are permitted. This may be temporarily overridden; someone could say "No phony wars at all during the IA", but they couldn't say "No phony wars for the rest of the game".

Edit: I added the clarification to the previous post.

 

[CommandoBob]

Actions (things to get done):


1. Name the 5th city Hannibalopolis and build it on a luxury. (CommandoBob)

Let me revise this, based on the current map situation. I had hoped we could claim a new luxury, not just have more of the same.

Name the 5th city Hannibalopolis and build it near a source of Iron. Near = the resource becomes part of Carthage before or after the first cultural border expansion. The tile does not have to be workable by the city, just so long as it is inside our borders when the border expands.

We need Iron for Swords, Maces and Pikes and other fun things. Later we will need Coal for Railroads. Coal hides in hills, mountains and jungles. The area just east of where the Adamantium Warriors and the Settler stand looks good for both Coal and Iron.

It looks good, but it is still a crapshoot.

 

[CommandoBob]

Static Orders (cannot be overridden without consent of ordering player):
8. Once you learn Feudalism, modified Oscillating War rules go into effect. There is no obligation to kill off another civ entirely, but you must always be at war with someone.

Actions (things to get done):
7. After Mathematics, set research for the Republic slingshot. (Elephantium)

Since we are going for the Republic slingshot, it would naturally follow that we would become a Republic. But if we are going at wars for the whole time, wouldn't Monarchy be better (no war weariness)?

I think we can get the Republic Slingshot. I'm just not sure what we can do with it.

 

[Raliuven]

I wish I had updated my list of things before I played the last set, but I like the new orders! Unfortunately, Hannibal did not make the Republican slingshot. It might have been those annoying and fictitious 'Mayans' that the cultural advisor was whining about.

Hannibal still has his 5th settler wandering around because he didn't want more elephants and didn't like the look of the land. Iron is much more attractive!

Here is where Hannibal is at:

Turn 77-86

Static Orders (cannot be overridden without consent of ordering player):

1. Play 5CC (5 city challenge) (pi4t)
2. Never interrupt any Worker actions except to avoid capture (Elephantium)
3. Make at least 6 tiles between cities. (alzgamer)
4. Betty from Account Temps must always work with Bob from Account Temps, in the same tile doing the same task as Bob, for the rest of the game.
5. Rename every unit you produce for the rest of the game.
6. Following the lead from Bob and Betty from Account Temps, each produced native worker must be given a name beginning with the letter B. Slaves, whether captured, traded for or produced by a foreign city, do not need special names, only something like Dutch01.
7. Name all naval units after battle victories. (Elephantium)
8. Once you learn Feudalism, modified Oscillating War rules go into effect. [There is no obligation to kill off another civ entirely, but you must always be at war with someone.] (Elephantium)
9. Phony wars are permitted. [This may be temporarily overridden; someone could say "No phony wars at all during the IA", but they couldn't say "No phony wars for the rest of the game".] (Elephantium)


Actions (things to get done):

1. Name the 5th city Hannibalopolis and build it near a source of Iron. [Near = the resource becomes part of Carthage before or after the first cultural border expansion. The tile does not have to be workable by the city, just so long as it is inside our borders when the border expands.] (CommandoBob)
2. Once you're out of the AA, never build another Settler, except to settler-abandon a city. Delay leaving the AA as long as you need to in order to have sufficient settlers. (Elephantium)
3. Name your first army POP's Elite Rangers and fill it with the most modern of the Swordsman ->Med. Inf. -> Guerrilla -> TOW Infantry chain. (Prince of Persia)
4. Rename every unit you produce for the rest of the game. Here is a list of names to help: [Civinator's Chargers (for a mounted unit - hopefully A-Cav!), Peter Peter (name of civ at war) Beater, The Watch (for a defensive garrison unit somewhere), The Tusks of Justice, The Peanut Brigade, The Crimson Eagles, The Bears, The Snakes, The Eagles, The Hawks, The Rabbits, The Mice, The Jaguars, The Wolves, The Foxes, The Leopards, The Bees, The Wasps, The Hornets, The Deer, The Elk, The Lions, The Tigers, (you already have The Bears), The Dogs, The Falcons]
6. Do not build or capture the Great Library. Instead, self-research, trade, or pointy-stick research your advances. (Elephantium)
7. Once the great Statue is built in Caseyboy97's Asylum, immediately rush-build a Barracks, disbanding nearby units to provide shields if necessary. (Elephantium)


Orders Completed this Set:

1. After Mathematics, set research for the Republic slingshot. (Elephantium) [Completed, though not successfully]

Spoiler :

Carthage was doing well indeed. Ben from Account Temps was moving towards the horses to bring these magnificent beasts under Hannibal’s control. It was taking a long time to set up the trade network by Brenda assured him that it would not be much longer – horses should be in supply by 1000 BC. Hannibal supposed that, in the big picture, 100 years was not so long to wait.

There was also word from Amsterdam that a Japanese warrior band was sniffing around the outlying area. This did not please Hannibal but he had yet to pass judgment on these odd and somewhat backward people. Hannibal turned to the priests for guidance on whether he should tolerate such behavior but they were busy shaking their prophetic devices and gave him no council. Hannibal decided to build several horse units before testing the Japanese people’s military might – unless, of course, they decided to push the point. His war leaders assured him that the Japanese – and of course the Dutch, considered Carthage a mighty military force. It was unlikely they would chose to become aggressive with Carthage. Scouts, however, had also reported Ligurian raiders near New Crobuzon; several farms had been burnt and the villagers abducted. Hannibal knew that it would not be long before Carthage would need to deal with them.

His thoughts were turned to happier news in 1050 BC with the launch of Carthage’s second naval vessel – another Curragh for exploration. This one was called the Glory of Seen Elephants, to commemorate their bravery and sacrifice in the battle to establish Caseyboy97’s Asylum and to secure the holy elephants that served as the source of inspiration for the people of Carthage. The Captain of Glory was sent with orders to explore to the west.

The Captain of the Battle of Amsterdam also sent word that a new nation had been contacted – the Ottomans. These people were also rather backwards in their technology but they had mastered the secrets of Mysticism, something highly prized by priests. They had also gathered a massive treasury of 60gp – a treasury that was ripe for the picking. They were not far from the Japanese lands but even so they had failed to learn the secrets of ironworking; thus it seemed clear they had not met their neighbors and initiated any trade. The Ottomans were even so backwards a people they did not understand such basic things as the alphabet and pottery – things already traded to the Japanese so they could enjoy their own randomized divinatory mechanizations.

Though questionable in its usefulness, Hannibal was assured by his scientists that mysticism was a much needed technology. “It is the last of the 2nd tier techs of the Ancient Age, Great Hannibal. We must learn this before we may move on to learning more important things. There are so many things we still do not know – let us not waste time researching them if we can but trade with this backward people!”

Hannibal found this to be fair advice and ordered it to be just so. Once Brenda became involved, the idiocy of the Ottoman ruler became plain – Osman was willing to part with the secrets of mysticism and all 60 of his pieces of gold for as little as the alphabet!

Hannibal ordered this highway robbery that was thinly masked as a diplomatic trade with a smile in his heart. Meanwhile, the Ceremonial Burial learned from the destruction of the Suren tribe more than 1000 years ago was shared with the Netherlanders for a paltry 25gp – all that was contained in their treasury.

Not all was happy news, however. The Ligurian tribe had grown restless and had sent raiders into lands controlled by New Crobuzon. Luckily Tom’s unit had arrived close to the city and Phaedo's Pride still garrisoned the city. A new worker band had just formed in the city – Brett from Account Temps was hired to lead them and they joined Bob and Brenda. With the work of all three bands, it would require little time to harvest the forest that lay between the connect road back to Carthage and the prosperous city of New Crobuzon.

Everything was going according to schedule. In 1000 BC, Ben from Account Temps had established the trade route to bring horses to the people of Carthage. Now they were able to travel in horse drawn vehicles. Though the scientists insisted that people could ride them by mounting them directly upon the back, this was not a skill known to Hannibal’s warriors or anyone of the other known nations. For now the army could only build horse drawn chariots, but these seemed fierce indeed on the open plans around Carthage’s cities. Hannibal ordered some of these units to be built so that they could be tested by the armies of Carthage.

But already Hannibal was growing concerned with the cost of the units supported by Carthage. These costs were already starting to draw from the treasury precious gold.

Word had also arrived that New Crobuzon was connected to the trade route of the Carthaginian empire. Battle of Amsterdam sent word that the Ottomans also worshipped elephants, though they had not laid roads to these noble beasts nor did they understand the secrets of mathematics, so there was no worry they could start building a Statue to Elephantium for themselves.

“Fret not, great Hannibal.” Said the Carthaginian cultural advisor. “It seems destined that the people of Carthage will have this great wonder first. And once it is built at Caseyboy97’s Asylum, we shall hold the patent on its construction and no other nation shall be allowed to build one.”

Hannibal found this to be good news – the people of Carthage did indeed seem blessed by the gods.

“It would seem,” The cultural advisor continued, “that construction of the pyramids has commenced in Kyoto – a Japanese city.”

“Worry yourself not over this, great Hannibal.” Said the wise priest of Elephantium. “Carthage shall not waste shields on expensive, worthless wonders such as that.”

Hannibal found these words wise and comforting and commanded it to be so amongst the people of Carthage, for it was both prudent and just. It was also a diversion from the unruly population of Smilin’ Bob. The city has grown to house 210,000 people – far too many for the space and sanitation currently available in the city.

“What shall I do with this unruly mob? Throwing money at them only feeds the masses. And with the priests of CommandoBob handing out so many ‘male enhancement’ pills, the population grows as fast as I can work for them to do.”

“Worry not, Hannibal.” The scientists advised. “Send us some of this unruly mob and we shall use them to study philosophy. We have many ‘psych’ tests with which we could subject them. It will speed our research and reduce the cost.”

This Hannibal found to be good advice and he ordered it so.

In the holy year of 975 BC, the first regiment of chariots was formed and given the title “The King’s Own”. This was as close as Hannibal dared come to naming a unit in his own image. This chariot would be sent towards Amsterdam to discourage any other nation from attempting action against Carthage.

Urgent pigeons also delivered word from the captain of Glory that a small fleet of Ligurian galleys were sighted off the cost of New Crobuzon and that a naval battle was certain to be fought. Glory was preparing for the engagement after sinking a handful of forerunners.

A great battle did indeed occur and it was the Ligurians that learned a hard lesson – the Carthaginians were indeed superb sailors and Glory had survived with only slight damage. Nevertheless, the captain of Glory decided to put into port at New Crobuzon for repairs. When the ship entered port it was cheered the citizens of the city – for the barbarian galleys had been raiding the fishing boats of the city and caused much unrest.

The courage of the Ligurian sailors was not matched by the courage of their raiders, for the raiders had fled the immediate area around the city and seemed intent upon damaging the roadwork leading back to New Crobuzon. Phaedo's Pride was left to cover the working account temps while Tom’s unit was sent to deal with the barbarians. The King’s Own was likewise diverted to deal with the threat.

Further good word was sent that a road had been created to bring wines to the people of Amsterdam, though the trade route was still unfinished. The people feared to work so far from the city’s influence. Carthaginians would need to wait for a while before they could enjoy such luxuries.

There was also word from the Dominators that they were about to make contact with the natives that had previously been met by the Battle of Amsterdam. They would be wise, Hannibal knew, to be kind to the people of Carthage.

Hannibal was ready to be content with the advancements of Carthage when he was once more disturbed by his cultural advisor. So many people had begun to crowd into Hannibal’s cave that he prayed that another room would soon be added so that they could have a place to meet. Unfortunately, the people of Carthage did not wish to spend such money as would be necessary for the government workers of Carthage.

Out of breath, the cultural advisor reported, “Noble Hannibal, it would seem that the Mayans have created the Pyramids already.”

Hannibal considered this news carefully, weighing his response. He had to frame this carefully. “Who?”

“The Mayans, great Lord!” The cultural advisor wailed.

“I think you are making up people just like the scientists. I care not for such things as the pyramids, though I suspect the Japanese are dismayed that they could not beat imaginary people to the construction of their selected wonder." Hannibal then dismissed the stammering cultural advisor. "Be gone, worrisome advisor and dwell on something of importance to Carthage. Let the Japanese worry regarding their shortcomings. Just make sure we finish our statue.”

Next came his war leaders, each of which looked mightily disturbed. “Great Hannibal,” The leader said sorrowfully. “The King’s Own charged the Ligurian barbarians with chariots and spears . . . and . . . they perished to a man. It would seem the Ligurian leaders were more cunning that was suspected. The slaughter was . . . total.”

"What happened? Did the wheels come off those stupid contraptions?" Hannibal demanded with great anger.

"We are unsure at this time, great lord. We are examining the battle reports even now." His war leaders assured him.

Hannibal ordered all Carthaginian flags lowered to half staff in honor of the noble unit – and then ordered a complete evaluation of the training and equipment of these new war units. Meanwhile, word had arrived that Tom’s Numidians had served with distinction and had destroyed the cheeky Ligurian band without significant injury. They intended to press the attack against the Ligurians until they paid for the damages to the Carthaginian people and image.

More bad news was received by the Dominators – the native tribe had nothing to share but maps of their region – for they were a nomadic people. They quickly dispersed after the meeting. Runners reported that the Dominators would continue to explore the area for anything else of value.

By 900 BC a new chariot regiment had formed and inherited the ominous name of The King’s Own Take Two. It was sent towards Caseyboy97’s Asylum, for a Japanese Warrior had been seen in the area.

Meanwhile, the temple at Amsterdam was complete and work on a barracks had commenced.

In 875 BC the secrets of Philosophy were uncovered but this did not lead to any great leap of knowledge for Carthage. The Republic would need to be researched the hard way.

At the end of 850 BC many things were happening. Battle of Amsterdam was confronted by a barbarian fleet off the coast of the so-called Ottoman Empire. Elephant’s Revenge was on the verge of contacting a native band that existed at the very heart of the Japanese kingdom. What these poor natives had done to be rejected by the Japanese, Hannibal could only guess. Glory had set sail again with its escort vessels. Tom’s Numidians were seeking the Ligurian tribe’s camp to eradicate the raids near New Crobuzon. Finally, the great Statue to Elephantium was due to be complete in 800 BC.

 

[Elephantium]

Once the great Statue is built in Caseyboy97's Asylum, immediately rush-build a Barracks, disbanding nearby units to provide shields if necessary.

 

[Raliuven]

Summary - 5th city is in place, SoZ built and war with Japan has begun.

Apologizes in advance for the AI wonder pictures, they somehow turned out askew.


Turn 87-97

Static Orders (cannot be overridden without consent of ordering player):

1. Play 5CC (5 city challenge) (pi4t)
2. Never interrupt any Worker actions except to avoid capture (Elephantium)
3. Make at least 6 tiles between cities. (alzgamer)
4. Betty from Account Temps must always work with Bob from Account Temps, in the same tile doing the same task as Bob, for the rest of the game.
5. Rename every unit you produce for the rest of the game.
6. Following the lead from Bob and Betty from Account Temps, each produced native worker must be given a name beginning with the letter B. Slaves, whether captured, traded for or produced by a foreign city, do not need special names, only something like Dutch01.
7. Name all naval units after battle victories. (Elephantium)
8. Once you learn Feudalism, modified Oscillating War rules go into effect. [There is no obligation to kill off another civ entirely, but you must always be at war with someone.] (Elephantium)
9. Phony wars are permitted. [This may be temporarily overridden; someone could say "No phony wars at all during the IA", but they couldn't say "No phony wars for the rest of the game".] (Elephantium)


Actions (things to get done):

1. Once you're out of the AA, never build another Settler, except to settler-abandon a city. Delay leaving the AA as long as you need to in order to have sufficient settlers. (Elephantium)
2. Name your first army POP's Elite Rangers and fill it with the most modern of the Swordsman ->Med. Inf. -> Guerrilla -> TOW Infantry chain. (Prince of Persia)
3. Rename every unit you produce for the rest of the game. Here is a list of names to help: [Aabraxan's Honor Guard, , Peter Peter (name of civ at war) Beater, The Tusks of Justice, The Peanut Brigade, The Crimson Eagles, The Bears, The Snakes, The Eagles, The Hawks, The Rabbits, The Mice, The Jaguars, The Wolves, The Foxes, The Leopards, The Bees, The Wasps, The Hornets, The Deer, The Elk, The Lions, The Tigers, (you already have The Bears), The Dogs, The Falcons]
4. Do not build or capture the Great Library. Instead, self-research, trade, or pointy-stick research your advances. (Elephantium)


Orders Completed this Set:

1. Once the great Statue is built in Caseyboy97's Asylum, immediately rush-build a Barracks, disbanding nearby units to provide shields if necessary. (Elephantium)
2. Name the 5th city Hannibalopolis and build it near a source of Iron. [Near = the resource becomes part of Carthage before or after the first cultural border expansion. The tile does not have to be workable by the city, just so long as it is inside our borders when the border expands.] (CommandoBob)

Spoiler :

Another fateful hear was 825 BC. Hannibal was carefully watching the passage of years and worried what may happen when the year reached 0. He spoke with the scientists and priest and there was growing concern that the magic ‘8-balls’ used by the priests for divining would have a serious malfunction – the Year Zero Unusable bug – also know as the Y0U bug. Hannibal did not completely comprehend this problem but he could sense unrest in the streets. With the spread of writing, may books were beginning to spread throughout Carthage – it seemed every crazy theory could find its way onto paper.

But good things also found their way to paper – such as the history of Carthage and its great ruler – the priests of the Internet Gods. Oh yeah, and Hannibal. Hannibal threw the book across his cave, only narrowly missing a runner bringing news from the captain of the Battle of Amsterdam. The barbarian flotilla had been sent to the bottom of the ocean with so little damage to the Battle that repairs and patches could be made at sea.

More important than this report, however, was the discovery of a new civilization – the Koreans.

The Carthaginian emissary made contact with the Koreans and it was discovered that they did not know anything that Carthage found useful. They held 35 pieces of gold in their treasury. They lacked such a simple thing as Masonry – something known to all other civilizations that were currently known. Our emissary offers them the secrets of Masonry – so they can lament their inability to build the pyramids with the Japanese – for all 35 pieces of their gold.

Runners had also returned from Elephant’s Revenge – they had met with some of the residents from the native village by Japan. This was a Crimmerian tribe and to the amazement of the elite warriors, these ‘so called’ barbarians were riding upon the backs of horses! No chariots required! The villagers were kind to the Carthaginians and welcomed them into the camp. The villagers were grateful to the people of Carthage for recognizing their worth and allowing them to contribute to a greater good – for the Japanese had told them that this knowledge was practically worthless; samurai fight on foot, not from horseback.

Elephant’s Revenge – an already decorated, elite band, was given another honor as they brought news of this new skill back to Carthage. The Crimmerian people were honored with homes and places of authority amongst the people. Many ceremonies were held to dedicate the new horse training fields across Carthage to Elephant’s Revenge and the Crimmerian people. Hannibal assured the Crimmerian people that the first trained regiment of horsemen would carry banners honoring their tribe.


This celebration continued through 800 BC as the Statue of Elephantium was constructed.

Hannibal marveled at this new wonder with pride at the Carthaginian resourcefulness though he had expected less beard and more trunk. His peace did not last long however, for the moment he sat upon his throne, the priests of Elephantium were already pushing into his cave. How nice it would be to have steps outside for them to climb; it would give Hannibal additional time to think and he could met them at the top for dramatic effect. Alas, his cave had no steps or patios, only walkways and an neat lawn.

“Oh priests of Elephantium, have you seen this wondrous statue that the Zeus corporation has built with the assistance of the Account Temps? Is it not marvelous?” Hannibal bellowed with pride.

“Indeed, Hannibal and Elephantium is pleased with its construction. But this has lead to another problem, Hannibal. Once again you have been shortsighted. The Statue of Elephantium can be seen for miles around.” The priest said, seemingly disturbed.

“Priest of Elephantium,” Hannibal began, shaking his head slowly. Could these priests find fault with everything he accomplished? “That is the point!”

“Ah, but Hannibal, did you not think that this sight would be overpowering for the citizens of Carthage?” The priests lectured.

“And rightly so – they should supplicate themselves to the gods of Carthage!” Hannibal smiled broadly.

“There is supplication aplenty.” The priests assured him. “But there are also warriors arriving – warriors that have already mastered the art of horseback riding. And they wish to fight for Carthage so that they may receive the blessing of Elephantium and be allowed to worship and train in the shadow of his great statute.”

“This is good news!” Hannibal said, beaming with pride. “Why is it that the priests of Elephantium find this unsatisfactory?”

“Because, great Hannibal, these men are arriving at Caseyboy97’s Asylum and they have no barracks to house them or a prepared field to train upon. This is unacceptable.” The priests said with great authority and unmatched wisdom. “It will be difficult to organize effective bands of these warriors without a barracks. It must be built immediately. Enlist the nearby Aabraxan's Honor Guard and The King’s Own Take Two to help build the barracks if necessary. They can be reconstituted once more bands can be mustered, either within the cities of Cartage themselves or from these bands that have begun to appear at the Statue. If that is not enough, you must order the people of Caseboy97’s Asylum to work with maximum effort to complete the barracks, even if some of them may perish from the labor.”

Hannibal thought on this and knew that the priests could not order him to disband his fighting units – the one thing that the people of Carthage agreed upon was that Hannibal was the supreme commander of the Carthaginian army and it was he that plan and execute the battles, even if the priests sometimes determined the targets and dictated policy.

Though this was true, Hannibal agreed with the just, if also harsh words of the priests and ordered it so. If there was one thing he had plenty of, it was Carthaginian citizens at Smilin’ Bob. A barracks was ordered to be built at Caseyboy97’s Asylum. Hannibal ordered Ben from Account Temps to assemble a new work band in Smilin’ Bob while a new band of Numidian Mercenaries were give the banner of The Watch and sent towards Caseyboy97’s Asylum.

Both Aabraxan's Honor Guard and The King’s Own Take Two were told to throw down their weapons and assist with building the barracks. With the assistance of these two units and nearly half of the citizens of Caseyboy97’s Asylum, the barracks would be completed within 25 years. Hannibal thought this was harsh on the population of the city, but he knew it was the weak that would perish in the effort and did not think on it much further. He would send work bands from Smilin’ Bob to replenish the population with hardworking men and women.

And though the people may have had many concerns, Amsterdam had begun to produce wine for all the people of Carthage. This allowed Hannibal to discontinue the practice of throwing money into the street and could now divert it towards his scientific goals. This was fortunate indeed and Amsterdam was now the largest and most productive city in the empire of Carthage.

For the first time the foreign advisory appeared before Hannibal and knelt. Hannibal could tell that something weighed heavy upon his heart. Hannibal gave him time to compose himself. Finally he spoke. “Lord Hannibal, I regret to inform you that the Ottoman Empire now has six cities. We could be outmatched soon if we do not do something.”

Hannibal thanked him for this warning but he had absolute confidence in the people of Carthage and the gods that protected them all. But he knew that Carthage required its 5th and final city – Hannibalopolis. While brooding on this, the priests of CommandoBob appeared.

“Great Hannibal, we have prayed upon our religious beliefs and we have received Divine inspiration.” The priest said with confidence. “With Amsterdam providing grapes and the location of gems revealed to us to the east, CommandoBob now believes that what is best for Carthage is for Hannibalopolis to claim a source of iron. You are now commanded to find such a place and to found the 5th city there, good Hannibal. It is the work and will of the gods.”

Hannibal bowed deeply to the priests of CommandoBob. “Our scouts have reported two possible sources of iron for Carthage. Our settler is even now not far from one source – it could also serve as a forward base for our armies to attack the Japanese.”

“The it would seem as if this is not only godly work but it is meant to be.” The priests said with a smile that indicated that this was exactly what they had had in mind the entire time. “Make it so, great Hannibal, and the gods shall smile upon Carthage.”

Hannibal immediately issued ordered to the Adamantium Warriors to bring the settlers to the appropriate place. Things, it seemed, were improving for Carthage. For he also had news from Tom’s unit – the Ligurian camp had been found by New Crobuzon and they would soon be dealt with.

It was also in 800 BC that Hannibal was visited by his cultural advisor again. This time she brought news of the ‘Chinese’ and their success upon building their own giant statue known as ‘The Colossus’.

Hannibal dismissed her because he had no interest in The Colossus. If she could arrange communication between Carthage and the Chinese, that would be something. Useless news was a waste of his time.

But if everyone else was building – or had built – a wonder, then how was Carthage special? Hannibal ordered a new wonder be built in Caseyboy97’s Asylum – for the barracks was now complete. This was the Mausoleum of Mausollos, though the group constructing the new wonder assured him that laying the foundation for this wonder could also serve to build many other wonders. Carthage, Hannibal vowed, would have the most wonders of any civilization.

It was not until 750 BC that any news of significance reached Smilin’ Bob. A band of Ligurian horsemen had ridden out to attack Tom’s band but they were soundly defeated. Then, their anger stirred, Tom’s unit overran the Ligurian camp, seizing 25 gold pieces worth of good stolen from the fisherman of New Crobuzon. Tom’s unit had not suffered any significant wounds throughout all the action – a veteran band indeed.

But it was not all good news – for the Adamantium Warriors reported that barbarian horses from an Avar tribe had been seen following them and killing any of the Carthaginian settlers that straggled behind the main column. The leader of the Adamantium Warriors could not leave the main body unprotected but ordered them to move along he mountain chain for added protection, even if this caused hardship on the settlers. Safety was more important. He hoped that the barbarian raiders would find the nearby Japanese cities to be better targets. This was not to be so, for the Avars continued trailing the Carthaginian people.

This next visit by his cultural advisor was just 20 short years later. Now she was whining about the Hittites and their Oracle.

It would seem they had both the alphabet and pottery and had created a giant house for their magical ‘8-ball’. Hannibal wished them the best in their endeavors and thanked the gods that Carthage had not built such a thing.

Hannibal was pleased that once more Carthage had seemed to advance – actions that had once taken 50 years, then 25 years, now only took 20 years to complete. Hannibal was both impressed and thankful. This would give Carthage more time to prepare for the Y0U bug. Dimly he wondered if the Hittites knew about this bug and what they use their Oracle building would have if all of the ‘8-balls’ ceased to function.

The news from 710 BC included Glory encountering a Phrygian galley. The Captain of Glory reported that he could also see the barbarian harbor but that he would likely be forced to battle the Phrygian fleet before he could inspect the harbor. He recommended land forces be sent to clear out the barbarians.

Ben from Account Temps had joined his band to Caseyboy97’s Asylum and had returned to Smilin’ Bob in time to take command of the next work band – this band would be tasked with making a road towards Hannibalopolis.

By 690 BC, the first regiment of Ancient Cavalry had formed at the barracks built at the base of the Statue of Elephantium. This Statue was given the banner of Civinator's Chargers in honor of the great cavalry god, Civinator. This unit was moved towards the Japanese as they had been seen to send out settlers into land claimed y Carthage by rite of exploration.

Glory reported the total destruction of the barbarian fleet and continued to sail on its course.

It was 670 BC when Hannibal received the news he had waited 3000 years to hear. Runners from the Adamantium Guard reported that the Carthaginian settlers had finally found a place to call home. Hannibalopolis was founded so that its immediate radius encompassed the mountainous iron deposits. Soon Carthage would have iron for its war machine.

Hannibal was growig tired of the Japanese and their endless settlers. Hannibal considered the situation and gave the order to the Carthaginian military. Prepare to attack. Units began to move into place. All over Carthage, horse units were being trained.

650 BC was the year that the first Carthaginian regiment of horsemen was trained. As promised, the unit was named The Crimmerian Guard. It was also the year that war was declared upon the relentless settlers of Japan.

Elephant’s Revenge was the first unit to report contact with the new enemy. The elite unit struck a group of Japanese regulars that had camped in the forest. They had entrenched in thin lines to protect a group of Japanese settlers. The warriors put up quite a scrap but Elephant’s Revenge overran the unit in the early morning hours. By evening all of the Japanese citizens had been rounded up and slapped in the chains. The warriors set a thin guard around these new slaves and sent them towards Carthage. It was unknown if they would make it that far but the elite unit needed to heal and could afford nothing better. Any serious attack would recapture the civilians. They were counting on the mounting pressure along the war front to prevent such an action by the enemy.

Almost simultaneously, Civinator’s Chargers attacking a group on conscript warrior over open ground. The warriors turned towards the charge but without spears they were helpless. It was amazing that they managed to inflict minor wounds on the veteran unit. The civilians they were trying to protect scattered but where on foot with women and children. More slaves were taken into the service of Carthage. The Crimmerian Guard moved to join them so that they could advance on the Japanese cities that were crowding Carthage and preventing its citizens from living the dream.

The Dominators sent word that they had fortified on a mountain with exposed gems to keep on eye on the Dutch workers that were building a road. Hannibal decided to let the Dutch exist long enough to complete the road to what would become Carthage’s third luxury.

Hannibal also authorized a trade of Mysticism to the Dutch for all 25 pieces of their gold, as there were the only nation that as of yet did not know this technology. Meanwhile a pigeon carried word from Battle of Amsterdam’s captain that Tartar barbarians had been spotted beyond Korean lands but that they had no means to attack the ship. As the Battle did not carry marines, it was impossible to deal with the barbarians, the majority of which spent there time hollering at Battle’s crew and bearing their backsides. The Battle of Amsterdam merely sailed on. There were someone else’s problem, for now.

By 630 BC there was no sign of a Japanese counterattack of any significance. A new regiment of horses was assembled at Smilin’ Bob and lead by identical brothers, with identical name – Peter and Peter. The new unit was designated Peter Peter Japanese Beater and sent towards the war front.

Battle once more reported contact with barbarians – this time from the Yue-Chi tribe. Smoke was seen from their campfires high in the mountains. The few they encountered on the sea in small fishing boats were easily repelled and once more the Battle sailed away. At the same time, the Captain of the Glory of Seen Elephants reported Crimmerian barbarians lurking to the west of Hannibalopolis. Unlike the Crimmerians that had taught horseback riding to Carthage, these were savage men with wild eyes that were preying upon the elephants in the area. Carthage would need to clear them out on principle.

In the year 610 BC of the gods, Carthage was ready to attack the Japanese city of Tokyo. Civinator’s Charges led the attack against fortified spears. There was never a question regarding the outcome. Without sustaining even the slightest wounds, the veterans demolished the city’s defenses. So deeply entrenched were the defenders that the city was destroyed during the battle. Fighting took place from house to house and there was no way to spare all of the civilians – all that remained of the city were enough to sort into 3 slave bands. These would be sent back to Carthage by way of Hannibalopolis. They would help to bring iron to Hannibal’s great nation.

Tokyo was left in ruins. Eight pieces of Japanese gold were also captured in the city treasury and returned to Carthage as spoils of war.

Battle sent back word they had found a new luxury – Dyes. There was nothing Hannibal could do about it yet, but the captain took careful notes of its location.

 

[Elephantium]

This is a multi-step order:
1. Make an Embassy with the Dutch.
2. Finish your war with Japan at your leisure.
3. Declare war on the Dutch.
4. Raze all Dutch cities except one.
5. Surround the Dutch city with Spearmen (or spear-line upgrades).
6. Make peace with the Dutch, tying a RoP into the deal.


Basically, the idea is to make the Dutch into your client kingdom and trap them in their city so they can't expand to overrun your continent.

 

[Raliuven]

Turn 98-105

Static Orders (cannot be overridden without consent of ordering player):

1. Play 5CC (5 city challenge) (pi4t)
2. Never interrupt any Worker actions except to avoid capture (Elephantium)
3. Make at least 6 tiles between cities. (alzgamer)
4. Betty from Account Temps must always work with Bob from Account Temps, in the same tile doing the same task as Bob, for the rest of the game.
5. Rename every unit you produce for the rest of the game.
6. Following the lead from Bob and Betty from Account Temps, each produced native worker must be given a name beginning with the letter B. Slaves, whether captured, traded for or produced by a foreign city, do not need special names, only something like Dutch01.
7. Name all naval units after battle victories. (Elephantium)
8. Once you learn Feudalism, modified Oscillating War rules go into effect. [There is no obligation to kill off another civ entirely, but you must always be at war with someone.] (Elephantium)
9. Phony wars are permitted. [This may be temporarily overridden; someone could say "No phony wars at all during the IA", but they couldn't say "No phony wars for the rest of the game".] (Elephantium)


Actions (things to get done):

1. Once you're out of the AA, never build another Settler, except to settler-abandon a city. Delay leaving the AA as long as you need to in order to have sufficient settlers. (Elephantium)
2. Name your first army POP's Elite Rangers and fill it with the most modern of the Swordsman ->Med. Inf. -> Guerrilla -> TOW Infantry chain. (Prince of Persia)
3. Rename every unit you produce for the rest of the game. Here is a list of names to help: [Peter Peter (name of civ at war) Beater, The Crimson Eagles, , The Eagles, The Hawks, , The Mice, The Jaguars, The Wolves, The Foxes, The Leopards, The Bees, The Wasps, The Hornets, The Deer, The Elk, The Lions, The Tigers, (you already have The Bears), The Dogs, The Falcons]
4. Do not build or capture the Great Library. Instead, self-research, trade, or pointy-stick research your advances. (Elephantium)
5. This is a multi-step order: [1. Make an Embassy with the Dutch. 2. Finish your war with Japan at your leisure. 3. Declare war on the Dutch. 4. Raze all Dutch cities except one. 5. Surround the Dutch city with Spearmen (or spear-line upgrades). 6. Make peace with the Dutch, tying a RoP into the deal.] [Basically, the idea is to make the Dutch into your client kingdom and trap them in their city so they can't expand to overrun your continent.]


Orders Completed this Set:

5. This is a multi-step order: [1. Make an Embassy with the Dutch. 2. Finish your war with Japan at your leisure. 3. Declare war on the Dutch.]

Spoiler :

With the fall of the first Japanese city and the razing of Tokyo, Hannibal spread word of the victory to all the people and to the priests. It was a forgone conclusion but it was still something for the people to celebrate. The Charge of Civinator quickly became a well known story in every city of Carthage. The charge had been so perfect that it was even now being taught at all of the barracks of Carthage as the text book definition of charging a fortified spearman position.

Hannibal was still reveling in the victory when a servant escorted the priest of Elephantium into the cave. Hannibal smiled broadly. “You have heard the great news, priests of the wise Elephantium?”

“Indeed Hannibal, it is a great victory and we expect that many more will follow under your leadership.” The priests said with a modicum of humility. “But we priests have started to become concerned with the prospect of Carthaginian homogeny. If the Carthaginian people no longer have a basis for comparison, how will they know that the grass is greener on this side?”

Hannibal considered this deep question. At the same time he considered his well manicured lawn. How indeed? He was already having trouble with the people of Smilin’ Bob – and they only numbered 210,000 people.

“You see the problem, great Hannibal?” The priest prompted him.

Hannibal nodded, a little sulkily. “I do, great and holy priest. What divine inspiration has Elephantium provided to you on this matter?” He inquired

“Just this,” the priests settled in to explain. “You may want to take notes.”

Hannibal summoned a servant that had mastered the technology of writing – a scribe, they were now called. They wore tabards with odd symbols and colors but Hannibal had been instructed on how to use such things. He reached over and pushed the scribe’s ‘record’ symbol and he dutifully began to write. Ah, the wonders of technology!

The priest of Elephantium waited patiently for things to be set and then explained. “Great Hannibal, you shall start by making an embassy with the Dutch. We have done research and this will only cost you 27 of your 210 pieces of gold in the treasury.”

“The Dutch?” Hannibal was uncertain. “Wise priest, why waste this 27 pieces of gold? After Japanese, the Dutch are not long for this world. They are simply too close to be good neighbors to Carthage and they think that those gems we found belong to them.”

“Good Hannibal, this actually work in our favor. Once we have established ‘relations’ with the Dutch, you shall make war with them yet again.”

Hannibal was warming to this idea but 27 pieces of gold was still a steep price. And there were other consideration. “Wise priest, we are already at war with the Japanese. We must put our boot firmly on their throat before taking on a new enemy.”

The priest of Elephantium nodded. “There is some wisdom to your words Hannibal. Very well, execute the war with the Japanese as you see fit, but once you are done with them let not a year pass before you take the word of Carthage’s gods to the Dutch.”

Hannibal smiled broadly. “All honor to the gods. If Carthage has their blessing, we may begin a war against these Dutch long before we have finished gridding Japan into the dirt.”

The priest nodded in acceptance. This would be sufficient. “I know you will prosecute the war with excellence, great Hannibal. You will be thorough.”

“Indeed. First William will lose Rotterdam. Then the Hague followed by Utrecht. Finally I shall crush Groningen!”

“No, good Hannibal.” The priest corrected. “You must leave the Dutch one city and one city only. This shall be the city that all of Carthage may look upon for comparison. By this measure they shall know that the Carthaginian dream is the best in all the world.”

Hannibal grunted. This seemed a good plan. “Very well, wise priest of Elephantium. It shall be made so.”

“This is godly work, Hannibal. Once you done this you must make peace with the Dutch and give them the Right of Passage through our lands. They must a metro pass and travel vouchers so they may reach all corners of the Empire of Carthage with ease.”

“Godly priest, why should this be done?” Hannibal demanded. “It will give the Dutch an invitation to invade our lands. Our streets do not Netherlander vagabonds! We shall need many warriors to keep them and their dogs off our grass!”

“Ah, but we must allow their people to travel amongst our own so that the people of Carthage can see them in all their misery. Besides, they will undoubtedly wish to visit the Statue of Elephantium and we can then use the tourist income to continue to grow.” The priest said, but thought on Hannibal’s words. “But you make a very good point; we must keep them from slipping warriors into our lands and thus compromising our security. For this reason you must ring the last Dutch city with battlements and fortify our best defensive units around them so we can control their movements and collect tolls for using our roads.”

This satisfied Hannibal’s concerns and he began to give orders even as the priests excused themselves from the comforts of his cave. Hannibal had much to do. He had a wonder to build, a war to plan, people to kill; he was swamped.

The first thing Hannibal did was send an emissary to the cowardly William. The emissary explained that he was establishing an embassy in Rotterdam and would invest 27 pieces of gold to buy the land and the building – not that William would receive a single piece of that gold – these were operating expenses, not a bribe.

The emissary quickly sent back word Hannibal that Rotterdam was an underdeveloped dump. They hadn’t even taken advantage of the nearby iron or gems. What fools! And the city defenses were a joke – 2 phalanxes of spearmen. William had also ordered the people to begin packing their belongings to form a settler band even though there not enough people to do so yet!

In 590 BC was an exciting time. A new band of Ancient Cavalry had been trained in Caseyboy97’s Asylum. This would be the reconstituted Aabraxan's Honor Guard and was deployed towards the battlefront. Runners from Peter & Peter reported that an elite band of Ottoman warriors were poking around by Amsterdam. Hannibal directed for them to ignore the Ottomans for now and to execute the attack against Japan. The Crimmerian Guard was sent to escort Japan’s final two captured workers back to Carthaginian lands. Elepehant’s Revenge had moved to a mountain to begin fortifying its position and mending its wounds. The holy band of Civinator’s Chargers held their position to heal their wounds before pressing forward.

By 570 BC, production in Carthage was increasing. This was the first time that 2 military bands had been formed at the same time. The first band of horsemen from New Crobuzon was given the reconstituted name of The King’s Own Take Two and was dispatched to deal with the barbarians seen by Glory’s captain on the west coast. The band from Amsterdam was given the honorable title of The Peanut Brigade. The Brigade was sent to meet with Peter Peter Japanese Beater and Aabraxan's Honor Guard to make a concentrated push into Japanese lands.

Meanwhile Runners from the Crimmerian Guard reported contact with the band of Japanese Regulars that was harassing the workers Japan04 and Japan05. The veteran unit charged. To the shock of all the Crimmerian captains, the Japanese regulars held their ground, axes felling horses and riders alike. The carnage was brutal but the Guard eventually prevailed. The wounded unit then retreated, covering the slave workers as they made their way back towards the safety of Carthage.

Civinator’s Chargers, properly rested, pressed on into Japanese lands to inflict what damage they could on the enemy’s supply lines.

By 550 BC, units were being formed with unprecedented speed. A new horse unit was given the Banner of a Bear and sent towards the battlefront. Hannibal now ordered Smilin’ Bob to produce more Numidian Mercenaries so that the commands of wise Elephantium could be carried out with all haste.

The King’s Own Take Two reported skirmishing with Phrygian outriders and the smoke from their camp could be seen amidst the hills – exactly as reported by the Glory of Seen Elephants.

It was in the area of Osaka that Peter Peter Japanese Beater first saw action – several phalanxes of spears had taken up position in the city and had to be routed from their position. The cowardly forces of Tokugawa had once more taken up position amongst civilians. Hannibal knew there would be great carnage but he knew the job had to be done. He commanded his units to press forward. Unfortunately, Peter & Peter’s unit was routed from their charge with only minimal damage to the defenders. Aabraxan's Honor Guard followed the charge against the city but the defenders had already brought up a fresh phalanx. Following the training demonstrated by Civinator’s Chargers, Aabraxan’s charge shattered the defenses and destroyed the Phalanx; very few of the men managed to retreat and the 103rd Japanese Spear formation ceased to exist as a fighting unit. It was finally up to The Peanut Brigade to make their assault. They circled the city and caught the defenders in the flank. This was the 127th Japanese Spear formation, the same formation that had caused such carnage to Peter Peter Japanese Beater. The 127th, flush with victory over Peter & Peter were still celebrating the deaths of their Carthaginian foes when The Peanut Brigade smashed into their lines. The spear formation could not maneuver in the press or battle and were quickly overrun with only minor harm to The Peanut Brigade.

As Hannibal feared, the destruction of the defenders also caused the destruction of the city – ceremonial braziers were knocked over during the struggle with the 103rd and by the time the destruction of the 127th formation was accomplished neither the remaining defenders, civilians or their new Carthaginian masters could save the city. Even the 205th Japanese Spear formation, only a short distance away, could do little but watch the city burn. The destruction was total. Only 9 pieces of gold could be salvaged as booty for Carthage.

The Carthaginian units were over extended and tired form their exertions; the 205th Spear formation would need to wait to meet its destiny.

Word was received from Elephant’s Revenge in 530 BC that they were well fortified in the mountains; so well, in fact, that the 32nd Japanese Archer Regiment had stumbled across them and had been butchered to the last man without any further damage to Elephant’s Revenge.

At the same time, The Peanut Brigade attempted to ride down the 205th Spear formation. The charge was noble but ultimately unsuccessful. The Commanders of Aabraxan's Honor Guard willed for The Peanut Brigade to withdraw from combat but such did not happen. The 205th let out such a howl of victory that Aabraxan could not allow it to continue. He ordered his men to charge. The carnage was brutal. In the end many lay dead upon the field from both Japan and Carthage. But it was Aabraxan that was victorious – the 205th was vanquished. The only good that had come of it was that some of the commanders from the Peanut Brigade – those that had been wounded and taken captive, were rescued and evacuated to Amsterdam. This meant that the Peanut Brigade might one day be reconstituted.

Hannibal was proud of his fighting men but the loses seemed overly high to him. These spear formations that the Japanese had put in the field were proving dangerous indeed.

Runners form Civinator’s Chargers reported that they had sustained minor wounds while overrunning a spear phalanx protecting Kyoto – the 97th Japanese Spear formation. It was another example of a near perfect charge. But just as victory seemed inevitable, another Phalanx reinforced the dispersing 97th. This was a hastily assembled band of regulars – so hastily assembled from the palace guard that they were the 5th Emperor’s spears. The Commanders of Civinator’s chargers also reported a flanking maneuver by the 101st Japanese Spear formation and the movement of the 10th Regular Archers. This last group was intent upon attacking the well entrenched Elephant’s Revenge. Hannibal could only hope that the Elite warriors could overcome the range that the archer’s bows afforded the Japanese. Unfortunately it was not to be so – word was later received that the 10th overran their position. It is currently unknown if any of the officers survived. As they were deep behind enemy lines, the assumption is that all were lost. Hannibal ordered that all of Carthage’s flags should be flown at half staff in the honor of such a long standing and brave unit.

Word also arrived from The Battle of Amsterdam – a midnight attack by Tartar galleys had easily been repelled; the foolish barbarians had thought to sneak up on the Curragh only to be slaughtered on the high seas. The Captain, not having the crew to man both vessels, ordered the Tartar galley be set aflame upon the water. He confidently reported that the crew of Battle was now comprised of veteran sailors.

The King’s Own Take Two dispersed the Phrygian camp in 510 BC. By all reports it was a slaughter even though their mountainous camp was nearly inaccessible. To the commanders delight, the high elevation revealed a band of Japanese regular warriors encamped on the plains. The thought of Japanese blood made the commanders very pleased, as was Hannibal, for The King’s Own had sent back enough iron ore to fetch 25 gold pieces on the open market – money sorely needed in the Carthaginian treasury.

Two new bands were formed in 490 BC – a horseman unit was reconstituted by the surviving commanders of The Peanut Brigade. This was the Peanut Butter Brigade. The new Ancient Cavalry unit was given the banner of the The Tusks of Justice in memory of both Seen Elephants and the recent demise of Elephant’s Revenge.

The King’s Own Take Two ruthlessly rode down the Japense regulars as they were attempting to entrench. All of these efforts cause the veteran unit only minor damage. In the end, the horsemen sent back to Carthage the Flag of the 43rd Regular Warriors for the victory hall.

The biggest event in 490 BC, however is the discovery by the Glory of Seen Elephant of a new nation – India. The Captain reported that the Indians were as clueless as all the other nations, having not writing or mathematics and nothing the Carthage did not already know. Worse, they also had no gold to trade and currently appeared to be at war with a native Avar band. Hannibal had no great use for the Avar and wished Gandhi the best in his efforts. All-in-all it was a rather disappointing meeting. Even so, Hannibal sent his congratulation to the Captain of Glory for the good work. One day this knowledge may be of great use.

The Glory of Seen Elephants also reported that it appeared that the Indians had built their capital in a swamp.

The Captain asked about this and this is the response he received from Gandhi:

“When I first came here, this was all swamp. Everyone said I was daft to build a castle on a swamp, but I built in all the same, just to show them. It sank into the swamp. So I built a second one. That sank into the swamp. So I built a third. That burned down, fell over, then sank into the swamp. But the fourth one stayed up.”

Thus was born the nation of India. Quite remarkable people. Remarkable daft, perhaps, but remarkable all the same.

Hannibal finally decided it was time to give the Japanese a break. An emissary delivers the terms – abandon Edo and all 48 pieces of gold in your treasury and you may survive as a free people for a little while longer. Tokugawa falls over himself accepting the offer.

Before the ink can dry on the peace offer, Hannibal sent a second emissary to William. The news for William is not so good – at least for the Dutch. The road to gems has been complete and it belongs to Carthage, not the Dutch. War is declared on the Dutch before Tokugawa can scrawl his acceptance on the peace offer. Because Carthage is not allowed more than 5 cities, Hannibal ruthlessly ordered Edo to be immediately burned.

Just as war was declared word arrived from New Crobuzon that a band of Minoans had begun an invasion. Already a band of warriors had chasing all the workers out of the gold mine and made the area unusable. Citizens were being terrorized – this could not be allowed to continue.

Luckily a new band of Horsemen had been assembled in New Crobuzon – The Snakes. This was a perfect test for them. They immediately launched a sally against the warriors and, although ultimately successful, The Snakes had not charged with any degree of proficiency, more than half of the band was left dead on the fields. The remainder retreated into New Crobuzon to heal. It was left to Tom to route the remaining Minoan horsemen. This Tom did without sustaining a single wound, much to the chagrin of The Snakes.

Meanwhile, a new band of Numidian Mercenaries had formed at Smilin’ Bob. This constituted The Rabbits. It was an odd name for a combat unit but Hannibal relented. These were veteran warriors and they had selected their totem. This totem became their banner. Hannibal did not feel like challenging the commanders on something so petty – so long as the performed with honor. The Rabbits began their journey towards the Netherlands to become a perimeter guard.

Orders were also cut for The Peanut Butter Brigade, Dick’s Band, Peter Peter Japanese Beater and The Tusks of Justice. Take Rotterdam – soon to be renamed New Hannibalopolis (?).

So the question here is about the possible placement of New Hannibalopolis. Here is the Sceen Shot:

As can be seen, it is only 4 tiles from Amsterdam. Static rule #3 states: Make at least 6 tiles between cities. (alzgamer)

The question here is if captured cities are covered by the rule. Technically I am not 'making' Rotterdam, I am capturing it. However, this still seems to go against the 'spirit' of the rule.

I stopped at this point to get feedback - if alzgamer is still lurking or, if not, what anyone else thinks. Obviously Rotterdam is a much better location - fresh water, a cow, iron and gems in the growth radius. But as Hannibal has been warned - the easy path is not the path of Carthage.

 

[Elephantium]

Unless alzgamer contradicts me...

The 6-tile rule applies to your settlers, not to cities you may capture from the AI.

Of course, you'll be obligated to abandon most cities you capture from the AI, but that's beside the point.

Edit: More names:
Krondorian Lancers (for a mounted unit)
Izmalis
The Dark Brotherhood
The Silver Hawks
The Maggots
The Worms
The Flies
The Mosquitos
Paladins of the Silver Flame
Knights of the Chalice
Cavaliers
Kai Lords
Knights of the White Mountain (must be trained in

(optional - these could be funny or confusing, I'm not sure which) The Conscripts, The Regulars, The Veterans, and The Elites

 

[alzgamer]

The 6-tile rule applies to your settlers, not to cities you may capture from the AI.

Totally correct, 6-tile rule applies to new cities built by a settler, not to conquered.

 

[Raliuven]

Turn 106-115

Static Orders (cannot be overridden without consent of ordering player):

1. Play 5CC (5 city challenge) (pi4t)
2. Never interrupt any Worker actions except to avoid capture (Elephantium)
3. Make at least 6 tiles between cities. (alzgamer)
4. The 6-tile rule applies to your settlers, not to cities you may capture from the AI. (Elephantium)
5. Betty from Account Temps must always work with Bob from Account Temps, in the same tile doing the same task as Bob, for the rest of the game.
6. Rename every unit you produce for the rest of the game.
7. Following the lead from Bob and Betty from Account Temps, each produced native worker must be given a name beginning with the letter B. Slaves, whether captured, traded for or produced by a foreign city, do not need special names, only something like Dutch01.
8. Name all naval units after battle victories. (Elephantium)
9. Once you learn Feudalism, modified Oscillating War rules go into effect. [There is no obligation to kill off another civ entirely, but you must always be at war with someone.] (Elephantium)
10. Phony wars are permitted. [This may be temporarily overridden; someone could say "No phony wars at all during the IA", but they couldn't say "No phony wars for the rest of the game".] (Elephantium)


Actions (things to get done):

1. Once you're out of the AA, never build another Settler, except to settler-abandon a city. Delay leaving the AA as long as you need to in order to have sufficient settlers. (Elephantium)
2. Name your first army POP's Elite Rangers and fill it with the most modern of the Swordsman ->Med. Inf. -> Guerrilla -> TOW Infantry chain. (Prince of Persia)
3. Rename every unit you produce for the rest of the game. Here is a list of names to help: [Peter Peter (name of civ at war) Beater, The Jaguars, The Wolves, The Leopards, The Bees, The Wasps, The Hornets, The Lions, The Tigers, Krondorian Lancers (for a mounted unit), Izmalis, The Dark Brotherhood, The Silver Hawks, The Maggots, The Worms, The Flies, The Mosquitos, Paladins of the Silver Flame, Knights of the Chalice, Cavaliers, Kai Lords, Knights of the White Mountain, The Conscripts, The Regulars, The Veterans, and The Elites]
4. Do not build or capture the Great Library. Instead, self-research, trade, or pointy-stick research your advances. (Elephantium)
5. This is a multi-step order: [1. Make an Embassy with the Dutch. 2. Finish your war with Japan at your leisure. 3. Declare war on the Dutch. 4. Raze all Dutch cities except one. 5. Surround the Dutch city with Spearmen (or spear-line upgrades). 6. Make peace with the Dutch, tying a RoP into the deal.] [Basically, the idea is to make the Dutch into your client kingdom and trap them in their city so they can't expand to overrun your continent.]


Orders Completed this Set:

Nada

Spoiler :

In the year of the gods, 430 BC, Amsterdam, once the capital of the Netherlands, produced The Deer, another Numidian Mercenary band that had selected an odd totem. The Deer would serve as another prison guard for the Dutch. Hannibal smiled at the irony of the former Dutch capital producing such units.

Previous intelligence had revealed at least two phalanxes of spears guarding Rotterdam. Attempts to contact the embassy were currently going unheeded. Hannibal felt bad for the Carthaginian Ambassador. Hannibal prayed that he was only locked in the dungeon and not beheaded.

The Tusks of Justice bloodied themselves on the spears of the Dutch 4th Spear Battalion, flawlessly riding through a hail of arrows filed by the defending archers within the city. The charge was perfection, the 4th Spear Battalion was trampled under a stamped of hooves. Peter & Peter gathered for the next charge and pressed the attack, hoping to turn The Tusks’ success into a breech of the city. Unfortunately, this was not to be and Peter Peter Japanese Beater was forced to retreat, leaving most of its unit dead upon the field. The Peanut Butter Brigade was told to hold their attack; the city could not be taken at this time. The Dutch 7th Spear Battalion had suffered light wounds while slaughtering Peter & Peter’s horsemen and the Dutch 10th Spear Battalion was already on their flank. Even if they could be defeated, there was no chance that the defending archers or the city itself could sacked. Aabraxan’s Honor guard joined the siege and prepared to attack with the next push. The Bears and the Crimmerian Guard, both horsemen units, were tasked to join the war against the Dutch as soon as possible while Civinator’s Chargers were left to watch over the Japanese.

But it was not all good news that Hannibal received. A runner, ragged and out of breath staggered into Hannibal’s cave. He was all that remained of the veteran warriors, The Dominators. “How could this happen?” Hannibal demanded.

“Lord!” The unfortunate boy said, pushing down humiliation, “Our commanders assured us that we would prevail if we could hold the high ground. We saw the enemy moving below - the cowardly Dutch and their bows. The order was passed to throw down rocks and crush them. At first this seemed to work well; we could hear the screams of the Dutch. And then the arrows began to fall with deadly accuracy. Our cheers turned to screams. We tried to close into range so we could bring our axes to bear, but it was too late. Our charge was met by arrows; we never got close. A few of us scrambled into the woods. Though wounded, the Dutch continued to purse us, hunting us like we were animals. There was no mercy, no quarter.”

“Then there shall be no mercy for the Netherlanders either!” Hannibal roared. “I shall mock William for the remainder of my 6050 years! His pitiful people will be the last to perish from the lands when the power of Carthage covers the world!”

First into the charge was Aabraxan’s Honor Guard. The hardened Dutch 7th Spear Battalion once again proved too strong and did not break, routing the veteran unit. The battle did not end, however. The Tusks of Justice watched as their left flank was routed, smashing against the city walls with fury. They began their charge but the blood they left on the field was their own. The commanders managed to rally the remnants of the unit but it would be impossible to renew battle without reinforcements. At last it was up to the Peanut Butter Brigade to break the stalemate. Finally success! The newly formed Peanut Butter Brigade smashed into the remains of the Dutch 10th Spears and found victory where the Tusks had found only death. The much lighter Brigade was able to maneuver around the phalanxes and find a weakness, driving a wedge between the 7th and 10th Battalions. When the 7th withdrew to protect their lines the 10th was left vulnerable. But the end of the battle only the Dutch 7th Battalion held Rotterdam. But it was enough. The city remained Firmly Dutch. Aabraxan and the Tusks both drew to bind their wounds, passing between the Bears and the Crimmerian Guard.

Hannibal was dissatisfied with the progress at Rotterdam; he did not doubt the strength of his men or their dedication. If there was fault, Hannibal knew it was with his leadership. And possibly the elusion RNGod. Hannibal prayed and offer sacrifices to RNGod and prayed for better results next time.

“Lord Hannibal!” A runner from the King’s Own Take Two rushed into Hannibal’s cave and knelt. “My commanders had ordered me to report. They have encountered hostile Crimmerian riders!”

Hannibal called upon the Crimmerians that were assisting in the training of Carthage’s horsemen. “What, wise riders, shall Carthage do about these people? They are of your own blood and I am loath to kill them without good cause.”

“Fear not, great Hannibal,” the Crimmerian elders assured Hannibal. “These so-called Crimmerians are really outcasts from our tribe. They were savage, unpleasant and talked during the evening movies. No one really liked them much. Feel free to kill them and bring back their heads on your lances.”

Hannibal was happy to hear these words from the Crimmerian elders for he also hated people talked during the movies. He quickly ordered the King’s Own to send them to a special hell reserved just for them. He was not surprised when the King’s Own reported that the rebel band had been destroyed with only minor casualties. Hannibal ordered the commanders to find the Crimmerian rebel base – Carthage was in desperate need of the gold that he had come to expect from sacking these small villages. Hannibal was also encouraged that Tom’s band had found the Minoan camp. They could see Minoan galleys at sea, raiding the fishing lines.

Hannibal spent time dwelling on the happenings of 410 BC. He was not surprised when he heard more steps approaching down his nicely manicured lawn and footpaths. His science advisor bustled into the room. “Lord Hannibal, the Ottomans have learned the secrets of polytheism! They can now worship multiple gods!”

“Really?” Hannibal muttered. “Amazing. It only took them 3590 years to learn what we Carthaginians have known all along?”

“Great Hannibal, the Ottomans have learned how to put these gods into a hierarchy! Would that not be a wise thing to know?” The science advisor persisted. “It will only cost of the secrets of our Laws and Philosophy in trade! They will even throw in 13 pieces of gold!”

“Umm, no, I think not. We will see how this polytheism works for the Ottomans. Perhaps other nations will also try this new method of worship and then it will be cheaper.” The science advisor looked disappointed but knew he had been dismissed.

Hannibal had other things to attend to. In 390 BC, The Crimson Eagles formed at the Statue of Elephantium. The Crimson Eagles raced towards the battlefront with the Netherlanders. A unit of Numidian Mercenaries also formed, the Elks. They were another in a long line of weirdoes but they were needed to fortify at Smilin’ Bob because of the elite band of Ottomans sniffing around the area.

Tom reported that the Minoan camp had been dispersed. He allowed some of the Minoan villagers to leave under a banner of peace so long as they surrendered 25 pieces of gold as tribute to Carthage in recognition of its superior gods. The trembling villagers, having just seen Tom’s band slay most of their men folk without a single significant wound, quickly cashed some saving bonds and turned over the required gold.

Even better news awaited Hannibal – the Japanese slaves had finally finished the road to bring iron to Carthage! There was much celebrating in Carthage over this development. Carthage could not build all manner of new things.

Even this celebration was dull compared to the news from Rotterdam. The Bears charged against the spears of the Dutch 7th Battalion and prevailed! Though their wounds ran deep, they had finally shattered the 7th Battalion. Even Hannibal had to admit that the Dutch formation had been brave and worthy of praise, unlike their cowardly leader William.

Overrunning the 7th Battalion was not, however, enough to seize the city. The Dutch had brought forward a new unit of spearmen, the 121st Auxiliary Spears. The Crimmerian Guard made short work of the makeshift unit – it had not yet learned proper formations or phalanx maneuvers.

Rotterdam was seized for Carthage and immediately renamed New Hannibalopolis.

A worker band was also seized during the raid. Hannibal, knowing the will of the great and mysterious god Pi4t, immediately ordered that Hannibalopolis be abandoned. At the same time, the Adamantium Warriors moved to the newly roaded iron to protect the resource and one of the Japanese slaves, Japan01 was ordered to build a colony to continue the flow of iron to Carthage. The Adamantium Warriors would entrench in the mountains to prevent any harm to the colony.

It was a good close to 390BC.

By 370 BC The Mice were formed in Amsterdam, a new band of Numidian Mercenaries. They were immediately dispatched towards the Dutch to serve their role as prison guards.

The King’s Own Take Two had discovered the location of the Crimmerian rebel base. A charge flawlessly vanquished a group of fortified Crimmerian warriors at the edge of the village. There were reports that a second band, this one on horseback, proper Crimmerian horsemen, were nearby. The King’s Own Take Two would need to vanquish them before seizing the village and its wealth. They succeeded in this mission in 350 BC, seizing ivory work 25 pieces of gold and some popcorn. They were truly an evil band.

More Numidian Mercenaries were being created now. The Dogs were next in line, formed in New Crobuzon. Phaedo’s Pride and the Snakes were released from service there and sent towards Caseyboy97’s Asylum for refitting after such a long deployment. The Dogs would watch over New Crobuzon until Tom’s unit returned.

A band of Dutch regulars was caught in the open trying to sneak a band of Dutch settlers past the Carthaginian blockade. The Dutch citizens tried to run while the regulars stood their ground but it was no use – the Peanut Butter Brigade and run them down though they suffered heavy casualties. The Dutch citizens attempted to run into the forest but they could not escape. In the end 2 more bands of Dutch slaves were claimed and pressed into the service of Carthage.

Also in the vicinity of New Hannibalopolis, a band of Vandals was identified. Hannibal ordered that they be observed but left untouched, for now. It appeared as if they intended to threaten the Dutch archers perched on a nearby mountain. Fortunately New Hannibalopolis was just out of reach of their bows.

In 330 BC the people of Carthage were so impressed by the achievements of Hannibal that they finally offered to install steps leading up to his cave. Hannibal was overcome with pride at this outward display of affection by his normally stoic people.

When Hannibal heard the approach of a visitor, he quickly went out to met them so he could greet them from the top of his new stairs. It was unfortunately that his first meeting was with his cultural advisor bearing bad news for Carthage.

“Lord Hannibal! The Hittites have finished the Mausoleum that we were also constructing! They now hold the patent on the structure and we can no longer build it least we suffer severe civil penalties!”

Now Hannibal really hated these Hittites. Nothing could be done for it, however. It would appear all the work on the Mausoleum was for naught.

“Great Hannibal, did you not remember the deal of the Ottomans?” The science advisor said slyly, slipping through the shadows. “If we trade now, we can build a great Temple to the Gods rather than a worthless Mausoleum. They are still willing to trade and they will now supply 48 pieces of gold – enough for us to continue studying the secrets of the Republic.”

Hannibal nodded. “Very well. You may proceed with this trade and begin building this temple.” Hannibal nearly choked, however, when he received the bill for the temple’s creation. Even with all the work that had already gone into the Mausoleum, it would still take more than 400 years to complete! Hannibal sighed and gave into the inevitable. Perhaps it could be changed again to something of more use – and cheaper – later.

The Crimson Eagles gained their first battlefield victory against the Dutch archers that slew the Dominators, securing the Carthaginian Advance while the Deer took up position in New Hannibalopolis and Dick’s Band moved into the mountains to secure the mountain pass and gem deposits.

The big news in 310 BC was the meeting of Battle and Glory. They had both sailed around the known world and had finally met.

290 BC marked the assault on the Hague. This would be a tough city to overcome. It was nestled in the hills and only a frontal assault would e possible. A new formed band of Ancient Cavalry – the Black Guard, was being sent as reinforcements, but for the moment Carthage had 5 units to use in combat – three Ancient Cavalry – Aabraxan’s Honor Guard, The Tusks of Justice, and The Crimson Eagles – and two horsemen – The Bears and the The Crimmerian Guards.

The Crimson Eagles, flush from victory, lead the attack. They faced a band of Dutch Regular Spears entrenched along the ridge of the hill. The charge was brutal but the Crimson Eagle standard stood proud on the ridge when the battle was through. The way to the city gates was wide open. Only the Dutch 2nd Spear Battalion was all that stood between Carthage and victory. Aabraxan led the next charge personally. The 2nd Spears folded under a perfect charge. Later the report came in that Aabraxan was personally responsible for the great success – he singlehandedly captured three of the commanders of the 2nd Spears. Aabraxan had expected to ride into the Hague victorious but to the great surprise of all the Carthaginian commanders a second hastily formation appeared to bolster the city walls, the 17th Auxiliary Spears.

There was no question what needed to be done. The Tusks of Justice charged the new formation. This new band proved to be a solid foe – for all its rudimentary training it made a good show but was ultimately overrun. The battle was so fierce, however, that the city was left as a hollow shell. What remained of the Dutch citizens fled into the hills.

The smoke from the burning city could be seen for miles around – easily seen across the entire peninsula. And easily enough for a band of hostile Marcomanni horsemen to see – to see and become curious. They spend some time running down the fleeing Dutch citizens but it was inevitable there would be a clash between Carthage and these hostile barbarians.

By 270 BC Hannibal received dire news – there was a massive uprising of barbarians near New Hannibalopolis.

This was unfortunate indeed.

By 250 BC Carthaginian units had been formed. Hannibal was ordering more units to move towards Japan. Once the war with William of the Dutch concluded and the Netherlanders were nothing more than a trophy on display, the Japanese would be eradicated. Hannibal knew that Carthage needed more contacts. It was time to build a fleet of ships to cross the oceans of the world and find new lands to conquer. . . err . . . explore.

There are barbarian uprisings, so somewhere the AI has moved into the Middle ages.

List of Current Unites
Native Workers: 7 (Bob, Betty, Beth, Ben, Bruce & Butch from Account Temps & Boyz of Casey)
Slaves: 10
Warriors: 2 (Phaedo’s Pride, Scourge of Amsterdam)
Horsemen: 8 (The Eagles, The Snakes, The King’s Own Take Two, The Foxes, The Peanut Butter Brigade, The Bears, The Crimmerian Guard, Peter Peter Japanese Beater)
Numidian Mercenaries: 12 (Tom, Dick, Harry, The Dogs, The Deer, The Mice, The Elk, The Watch, The Rabbits, The Falcons, The Hawks, The Adamantium Warriors)
Ancient Cavalry: 5 (Civinator’s Chargers, The Black Guard, The Crimson Eagles, The Tusks of Justice, Aabraxan’s Honor Guard)
Curraghs: 2 (The Battle of Amsterdam, The Glory of Seen Elephants)

 

[Raliuven]

Turn 116-125

Static Orders (cannot be overridden without consent of ordering player):

1. Play 5CC (5 city challenge) (pi4t)
2. Never interrupt any Worker actions except to avoid capture (Elephantium)
3. Make at least 6 tiles between cities. (alzgamer)
4. Betty from Account Temps must always work with Bob from Account Temps, in the same tile doing the same task as Bob, for the rest of the game.
5. Rename every unit you produce for the rest of the game.
6. Following the lead from Bob and Betty from Account Temps, each produced native worker must be given a name beginning with the letter B. Slaves, whether captured, traded for or produced by a foreign city, do not need special names, only something like Dutch01.
7. Name all naval units after battle victories. (Elephantium)
8. Once you learn Feudalism, modified Oscillating War rules go into effect. [There is no obligation to kill off another civ entirely, but you must always be at war with someone.] (Elephantium)
9. Phony wars are permitted. [This may be temporarily overridden; someone could say "No phony wars at all during the IA", but they couldn't say "No phony wars for the rest of the game".] (Elephantium)


Actions (things to get done):

1. Once you're out of the AA, never build another Settler, except to settler-abandon a city. Delay leaving the AA as long as you need to in order to have sufficient settlers. (Elephantium)
2. Name your first army POP's Elite Rangers and fill it with the most modern of the Swordsman ->Med. Inf. -> Guerrilla -> TOW Infantry chain. (Prince of Persia)
3. Rename every unit you produce for the rest of the game. Here is a list of names to help: [Peter Peter (name of civ at war) Beater, The Jaguars, The Wolves, The Leopards, The Bees, The Wasps, The Hornets, The Lions, The Tigers, Izmalis, The Dark Brotherhood, The Maggots, The Worms, The Flies, The Mosquitos, Paladins of the Silver Flame, Knights of the Chalice, Cavaliers, Kai Lords, Knights of the White Mountain, The Conscripts, The Regulars, The Veterans, and The Elites]
4. Do not build or capture the Great Library. Instead, self-research, trade, or pointy-stick research your advances. (Elephantium)
5. This is a multi-step order: [1. Make an Embassy with the Dutch. 2. Finish your war with Japan at your leisure. 3. Declare war on the Dutch. 4. Raze all Dutch cities except one. 5. Surround the Dutch city with Spearmen (or spear-line upgrades). 6. Make peace with the Dutch, tying a RoP into the deal.] [Basically, the idea is to make the Dutch into your client kingdom and trap them in their city so they can't expand to overrun your continent.]

Orders Completed this Set:

5-4. Raze all Dutch cities except one.

Spoiler :

Hannibal looked over the expanse of his empire and felt satisfaction. Carthage was destined to rule the world. It was certain now. But ruling the world did not come without drawbacks.

Hannibal’s military advisors spread the map of the known world before Hannibal. “Lord Hannibal, we are facing barbarian uprisings all across Carthage. Something has whipped them up into a frenzy. Tom sends word they his Numidians had to fend off two regiments of rebel Numidian horsemen. They actually posed little danger to our elite unit – in fact, Tom reports that his men suffered no significant injuries and that he now rates his men as an elite unit.”

“That is good news. Tom is a solid commander.” Hannibal said, much satisfied.

“That is not all, Lord Hannibal. There are Toltec barbarians near Amsterdam and both Illuryian barbarians and More Marcomanni barbarians near New Hannibalopolis.” The general reported with disgust. “They are threatening our workers and hampering our production and growth.”

“Have we sent emissaries to speak to these people? What is that they want?” Hannibal wondered aloud.

“Our spies tell us that they are looking for the Romans.” The Carthaginian war leader reported. “Seems that they have a score to settle with them.”

“These mythical Romans again?” Hannibal snorted. “I’ve never been caused so much inconvenience by an imaginary people as the Romans. Is there nothing we can give them to make them go away?”

The general shrugged. “They say they will settle for a Capital One credit card and a goat.”

“Do we have either of these things?” Hannibal asked.

“The Dutch seem to have some caribou . . . or maybe they are reindeer. No goats.” The General said, thinking carefully. “Nor do we have a Capital One credit card. What’s in your wallet, Lord Hannibal?”

Hannibal did not have a wallet; his people had barely sprung for a fur jacket to prevent him from streaking across on his new stone porch. “Well, that settles the matter, then. It seems we’ll need to put these barbarians in their place. Command to all units – attack.”

Commands were issued and reports flowed back to Smilin’ Bob. Report of vanquished barbarian foes amounted to the following: 1 band of warriors and 7 columns of horsemen. All units engaged in battle reported only minor wounds. Commendations for promotion were received for The Deer, who were now an elite unit after routing no less than 4 regiments of Illuryian horsemen.

In spite of the barbarian uprisings, Hannibal’s forces continued the attack on the Dutch. Aabraxan lead the charge on Utrecht. The feeble Dutch 13th Auxiliary spears were rushing to the defense of the icebound city. It was as if the veteran cavalry were reaping wheat rather than fighting a battle. The bloodshed was horrible for the defenders. Many of the citizens of the city were slain and Utrecht ceased to exist as a city.

Aabraxan, always a level headed leader, recalled his men from pursing the few Netherlanders that remained under arms – they were fleeing towards Groningen and were, for all intents and purposes, no longer a combat unit. Instead, he ordered his men to gather up the remaining Dutch citizens to form the Dutch04 slave band.

Two more columns of barbarian horsemen – Marcomanni this time, were felled by the Bears and the Crimmerian Guards; the veteran units fell upon them before they could deploy and the barbarians were scattered with little effort.

The Battles were going so well the Hannibal turned his thoughts towards escaping the small island that the Carthaginians ruled. His ships could not leave the coastal waters and this was problematic. How could the seafaring Carthaginians explore the sea?

His mutterings were overhead by his science advisor who quickly prostrated himself before Hannibal’s thrown. “Great Hannibal, we believe we can discover the secrets of sailing the high seas if only we could study map making – would you allow us to research such a technology after we become a republic?”

Hannibal found his to be a fair suggestion and ordered it so.

“Great Hannibal, we believe that we could also build a great structure called a ‘lighthouse’ with this new knowledge – we believe we should begin constructing it immediately in Amsterdam. We must do this in the utmost secrecy – at least to begin. I would suggest we disguise this construction as a palace. Then, like the Statue of Elephantium, we will divert the materials into the construction of the lighthouse.”

“What good is building a house for light?” Hannibal asked. “Is it anything like the ‘8-ball’ that the priests use?” He did not want his ship captains staring at lanterns in pray for guidance.

“Not at all, good Hannibal. It is a very tall building with a bright light at the top. It will help all our ships navigate the seas. Once we have built the first one, we will be able to build many of them all round our lands. For we will hold the patent to such technology and no one else will be allowed to build them.”

“Ah, these ‘patents’ again.” Hannibal frowned. He enjoyed his monopoly on the Zeus Statue of Elephantium, but he did not like the idea of other nations placing such restrictions on Carthage. “See to it that we build these ‘lighthouses’, scientist.”

By 210 BC, the people of Carthage were feeling nostalgic and decided to erect four statues before Hannibal’s cave. These were to remind him of the sacrifices that the people of Carthage had made for Hannibal’s glory. Each was a memorial – one to each of four beloved units lost in combat – Seen Elephants, Elephant’s Revenge, The Dominators, and The Peanut Brigade. With this memorial, they would never be forgotten.

Report of fighting continued to pour into Hannibal’s cave. The Tusks of Justice had repelled a column of arrogant Marcomanni barbarians and suffered a horrible defeat. The Tusks of Justice, learning much from their failure, was now amongst Carthage’s elite bands. The same was true of The Hawks. The veteran Numidian Mercenaries repulsed wave after wave of Illuryian horsemen, earning their elite status but leaving the blood of many of their comrades upon the field with four columns of barbarian horses. It is speculated that the Hawks would not have suffered such horrid wounds if they had not been compromised by the nearby Japanese slaves 01 and 05. Had the given way the Illuryian horsemen would have ridden down the defenseless bands.

“Lord Hannibal!” Once more the scientists scrambled into Hannibal’s cave. “We discovered the secrets of the Republic and began the study of Making Maps, as was discussed. Only we did not anticipate that the people would react to this news with such confusion!”

Hannibal rushed to the entrance of the cave at this news. He could see the smoke rising from Caseyboy97’s Asylum and Amsterdam. Hannibal cursed. “How long will this anarchy last?”

“Not long, Lord Hannibal.” The cultural advisor stood at the bottom of Hannibal’s new stairs. Hannibal glared down at her, his eyes demanding more. “Not long at all, Lord Hannibal. Perhaps 100 years.”

Hannibal tried to keep his calm. It had taken several hundred years for Carthage to build its first road. Carthage could survive this as well.

Some good news arrived, however. The Crimmerian Guard had found the Marcomanni camp and dispersed it, returning spoils worth 25 pieces of gold – it appeared to be items that had been sacked from nearby Dutch settlements. Hannibal smiled. Even now he was still robbing William of all his hard earned gold. William himself was now hiding in Groningen; it was to be his prison forever more, the cowards!

In 170 BC, Aabraxan’s Honor Guard joined the ranks of the elite by destroying two bands of Marcomanni conscripts – little more than boys pressed into service of the barbarians. The bands were dispersed but many of the Marcomanni died. Hannibal did not weep for these people.

It was only after much death and destruction at Caseboy97’s Asylum – and in fact all throughout Carthage – that ordered was once more restored in 90 BC. Carthage had emerged as a republic, though Hannibal was appalled by the bills that came in for the support of the army. 60 pieces of gold! Ridiculous!

In an attempt to raise some gold, Hannibal allowed the Japanese to be given the secrets of Polytheism. Tokugawa agreed to part with all 98 pieces of his gold for this well known technology.

To save gold, Hannibal ordered all non-essential personal to be joined with present cities an to allow the slave bands to do most of the work – after all, nearly everything was done in within Carthage; naturally there would be other things that needed to be done – such as building a road to the Dutch to move defensive units to ring the city.

As if that was not enough, Carthage’s new band of cavalry trained at the base of the Statue of Elephantium, The Silver Hawks, had encountered a band of angry Gauls. Upon riding down one band of the thieves, they were quickly cut off and surrounded by angry Gaul horsemen. Though predictable, Hannibal was still relieved when word reached him that The Silver Eagles had not only prevailed, but done so with distinction and honor, becoming an elite band in the process.

Current Picture of the World in 50 BC