I am your slave! :)

[Raliuven]

Turn 126-135

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 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, , Cavaliers, Kai Lords, , 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 :

The year of the gods 30 BC brought much worry to Hannibal. Year 0 was approaching fast and all of the priests were concerned that their divinatory devices would no longer function. This would cut off the priest from the gods as surely as failing to pay the cable bill. Hannibal thought it would not be such a bad thing if the Y0U bug was real. The priests could then concentrate on more productive means of prophecy, such as reading tea leaves or the examining the entrails of beheaded chickens.

Hannibal turned his attention to more important matters. The Peanut Butter Brigade reported a minor clash with the Minoans – dispersing a small camp that had been raiding small fishing villages along the coast of Hannibal’s Lake. This lake and the nearby bay would be reserved for Hannibal's personal enjoyment; the barbarians had no right to the water or fish.

Barbarian gold continued to poured into the Carthaginian treasury. This made Hannibal very happy.

Year 0 approached. Hannibal, like all of the people of Carthage, held his breath. Would the world end? Should he continue to issue orders? Do laundry? Pay the bills?

But year 0 came and went and before anyone realized it was 10 AD and the crisis had been averted. Unfortunately the Y0U bug was a bust and a huge waste of money. The small pottery balls continued to work – or at least continued to work as well as they ever did.

A new curragh was give the name Charge of Aabraxan at Smilin’ Bob and Hannibal ordered another curragh to be built. The Captain of Charge would continue to take ships out to sea until he found a new land for Carthage to subjugate . . . errr . . . explore.

A new band of Ancient Cavalry trained in the shadow of the Statue of Elephantium and took the name Knights of the Chalice – for they were known to drank heavily from chalices made of fine Carthaginian pottery. They claimed it was a new method of worship that encouraged divine inspiration. It was clear that they were led by a divine hand – for no one else could fathom why else they would keep falling off their horses and wandering off the roads.

This was also the year that Hannibal decided it was time to put an end to Japan. Tokugawa had reneged on his deal not to send out annoying military units to harass the Carthaginian people. There was no further expectation of peace between Japan and Carthage. The Peanut Butter Brigade road down the Japanese 32nd Archers – an elite barbarian hunting band, but not without grave wounds. This was also the time that the Knights of the Chalice bloodied their lances on the Japanese 1st Recon Spears near Caseboy97’s Asylum. It was a near flawless charge with only a few wounds – and none of them caused by the pitiful Japanese spears. All were a matter of CWI – Combat While Intoxicated. Even so they had done well enough, Hannibal decided.

Civinator’s Charges, the Krondorian Lancers, The Black Guard, Peter Peter Japenese Beater and The King’s Own Take Two were all sent towards the Japanese Capital of Kyoto.

Elsewhere, Barb camps were being dispersed with efficiency. Hannibal took great pleasure in reading the reports of 25gp this and 25gp that. The Eagles had lanced the arrogant Guals, burning their camp to the ground. Meanwhile the Tusks of Justice made a mess of a band of Khoisan conscripts that were spreading rumors regarding the size of Hannibal’s mother. Naturally the Tusks, an elite band of ancient cavalry, dispersed the entire camp and put the heads of Khoisan leaders upon spears as a warning to all others – barbarians and foreign nations alike – not to make fun of Hannibal’s mother.

It was 30 AD when Carthage’s cultural advisory meekly climbed the steps to Hannibal’s Cave to report that some people called the Americans had build a great wall to help them deal with the barbarian uprisings.

“It is reported, great Hannibal, that these walls are very effective and even encourage their warriors to fight harder against the barbarians. Now that they have a patent for these walls, they are springing up all over America – it is the new fashion – every city simply must have them.”

Hannibal considered this carefully. “I do not understand – how do these ‘walls' encourage their people to fight harder? Do they use the stones to throw at their enemies? Perhaps they load large pieces of it on to catapults and launch them at the barbarians?”

“No, Hannibal,” The cultural advisory said patiently. “It is called a 'psychological' effect. The warriors see this great feat of their countrymen as a sign that they are superior – and the thinking makes them superior.”

“These Americans might be difficult to fight with such confidence.” Hannibal thought darkly. He would orderer his generals to destroy these americans . . . if he had any idea where they were located.

“Not so, my lord,” Hannibal’s military advisor assured him. “Apparently this ‘psycho-effect’ is only useful against the barbarians. Whenever an opposing civ approaches they send a horse running around all their cities with the rider shouting “the ‘fill in the civ name here’ are coming!” This the repeat over and over again until the opposing civ leaves. Their neighbors actually report that it is quite annoying and the Americans are on notice with their association.”

Hannibal marveled once more at the great many useless wonders these other people chose to build. Hannibal had no further time to worry over such things. Carthage’s own fighting men were made of sterner stuff. Better stuff. Improved stuff. In some cases, diet stuff.

It was Krondorian Lancers that assault Kyoto. The Japanese 23rd Spears known as the Home Guard – the Japanese last line of defense – were already in formation with the river to their backs. The city was smaller than was last reported – it probably contained less than 40,000 people now. The Krondorian Lancers, though savaged by the home guard, pushed through the line of spears. The fighting took to the street – house to house. The Japanese would not surrender. Few survived; not enough to form a slave band, however.

With the destruction of Kyoto the last known Japanese city was destroyed – yet the Japanese were not yet eliminated as a nation capable of competing with Carthage. Some of the survivors reported taht Tokugawa had snuck away in the night with a band of settlers, intent on rebuilding Japan into a force that could destroy Carthage. Hannibal ordered his military to find the cowardly Tokugawa and put an end to him.

It did not take long before The King’s Own Take Two and the Black Guard discovered another unit of Japanese spears – this was the 7th Japanese Recon Spears. The outriders reported a minor skirmish but it would take some time for the horsemen to get out of their traveling formations and get in line for a charge. This gave the Japanese spear time to fortify their position in the mountain pass.

In 50 AD the pompous Netherlanders had marched two bands of warriors against Carthage. One band was even a veteran band of warriors. It did not matter. The elite Crimmerian Guard was the first to ride down the veteran warriors, springing from the many fields of cows around New Hannibalopolis. The following attack by the Bears finished the Dutch threat, if ever there was truly a threat.

In 30 AD reports were received that the foolish Tokugawa had actually moved towards Carthage and settled Satsuma in the shadow of Amsterdam. All available Carthaginian units immediately moved towards Satsuma to put a final end to Tokugawa and the pitiful Japanese. The foxes, the first on the scene, reported that it was protected by only a regular band of Japanese Spears hastily assembled from the citizens – it was identified as the 103rd Auxiliary Spears.

The first into battle at Satsuma was Civinator’s Chargers. It had been some time since they had seen action but they had not forgotten the many uses for the tip of a lance. Civinator’s men took some casualties but the 103rd was routed into the city. Hannibal was not surprised to hear that the city was destroyed considering the bloody confrontation.

What did surprise Hannibal was to hear that Tokugawa was amongst the dead warriors – for he had personally lead the 103rd in defense of the city and fallen under Civinator’s charge. The glory of destroying the first Civ was to go to Civinator – a fitting triumph!

It was also fitting that Civinator found amongst the ruins of Tokugawa’s palace a fine grouping of shrubs that would make a perfect addition to Hannibal’s cave. They were nice and not expensive at all, as they were pulled up from Tokugawa's only guardans. This was just as the priests of CommandoBob had commanded. Very carefully the shrubs were collected by Japanese slaves for transport to Smilin’ Bob.

And with the death of Tokugawa, the remaining Japanese units that were straggling began to disperse, leaving Carthage victorious.

But the empty lands were someone troubling – for the barbarians were beginning to multiply as if they were part rabbit in nature. The Knights of the Chalice had, predictably, stumbled upon a band of Kushites that were extremely hostile and refused to share their alcohol. The Knights, also predictably, road down the Kushites only to come upon their main encampment. Luckily the Silver Hawks were also nearby and quickly put an end to the threat.

There were new Gaul barbarians by New Crobuzon, The Toltec were amongst the sacred elephants in the south, the Crimson Eagles had blundered into a group of Aryans and a new group known as the Patzinal were active by New Hannibalopolis. Things were a mess in the wild unclaimed lands but Hannibal continued to see the glint of money amongst the barbarian tribes.

In 90AD the shrubbery was finally in place outside Hannibal’s cave. He actually found this quite nice, for it afforded him some privacy considering the lack of a DOOR.

In honor of Civinator, the next Curragh to launch was the Shrub of Civinator, in honor of the spoils of the final battle with Japan.

More good news continued to come to Carthage. The Leapards disbanded the Gaul encampment. Aabraxan's Honor Guard destroyed the Patzinal and the Crimson Eagles irradiated the Aryan encampment, though many were known to have escaped its destruction. The like was accomplished by the Eagles at the Toltec camp. Carthage’s treasury was bursting with barbarian gold.

It was not yet time to celebrate, however, for two new barbarian camps were soon located – the Illuryians (again) and the Nubians, whom seemed to be at war with the Ottomans. Soon the Phrygians were seen pillaging near Caseyboy97’s Asylum and its new formed band of Ancient Cavalry, the Knights of the White Mountain, were sent after the band. The Knights of the Chalice dispersed the Iluryians as quickly as they had formed while the Tusks of Justice trampled the Nubians. And though Hannibal awaited a few kind words from Osman for the service done, it was not forthcoming.

This made Hannibal very angry and he began to plan for the demise of Osman.

In 130 AD the Peanut Butter Brigade ran afoul of a Mycenian camp but the Barbarians never stood a chance against the formidable Carthaginian unit.

Hannibal had not the time to worry over such things, however. For he had just received word that New Hannibalopolis was thriving – it already had a population of 290,000 and it’s influence had fallen upon the iron and gems in the nearby mountains. Hannibal was pleased by this wondrous development and all of the citizens of Carthage celebrated their new luxury – and a secure source of iron. Hannibal gave all citizens a day off and work ceased across Carthage, including the work on their great wonders.

This was a fatal error.

By 150 AD Hannibal received horrible news from his cultural advisor. The cursed Hittites had finished the Great Lighthouse only moments before Carthage.

Now Hannibal truly hated these Hittites. It seemed very possible that Carthage might be forced to scrap two very costly projects in the near future and it angered him greatly. He would dwell on these losses for the remaining 1900 years of his life.

Hmm, two wonder prebuilds. The GLH is gone. ToA still possible?

Current save:

 

[Elephantium]

Permanently station a unit 1S of the Fish in Hannibal's lake. Any Tom, Dick, or Harry will do for the job. On second thought, send Dick to that post. Rename the unit "Dick's Dock" to represent the proprietor of the fishing cabin where Hannibal goes on vacation.

Oh, and play http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieIFZDZM69c in the background while you carry out this order. It's the theme song for the fishing village of Dick's Dock.

 

[Elephantium]

 

[Raliuven]

Sorry, I've been a little busy as of late - but I will not forget this! I had to finish COTM85 and now I've got GOTM116 whispering in my ear. Not to mention RSG2

I will update soon with the next 10 turns of Hannibals . . . um . . . er. . . interesting life. For those that are lurking or just joining, this is an anarchy game - which means you get to tell me what to do and I do my best to get it done. There are some basic rules, a few provisos, a couple of quid pro quo. Nothing too complicated. And participation has perks - you'll be worshipped as one of the Carthaginian gods!

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!

Current 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. 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 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, , Cavaliers, Kai Lords, , 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.]
6. Permanently station a unit 1S of the Fish in Hannibal's lake. Any Tom, Dick, or Harry will do for the job. On second thought, send Dick to that post. Rename the unit "Dick's Dock" to represent the proprietor of the fishing cabin where Hannibal goes on vacation. Oh, and play http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieIFZDZM69c in the background while you carry out this order. It's the theme song for the fishing village of Dick's Dock.

 

[CharcoalDioxide]

Name your second army The Defenders and fill it with the most advanced defensive units at time (no overriding)

 

[Elephantium]

Name your second army The Defenders and fill it with the most advanced defensive units at time (no overriding)

Addendum...


This army is critical for the success of Hannibal's armed forces, and as such is too important to let just any Tom, Dick, or Harry join it. Do not fill the army with any of those three units. Instead, name the units being added to The Defenders

Guardian
Protector
Sentinel
Warden

 

[Raliuven]

Turn 136-145

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 Tigers, Izmalis, The Dark Brotherhood, , The Flies, The Mosquitos, Paladins of the Silver Flame , Kai Lords , 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.] (Elephantium)
7. Name your second army The Defenders and fill it with the most advanced defensive units at time (no overriding) (CharcoalDioxide)
8. This army is critical for the success of Hannibal's armed forces, and as such is too important to let just any Tom, Dick, or Harry join it. Do not fill the army with any of those three units. Instead, name the units being added to The Defenders: [Guardian, Protector, Sentinel, Warden] (Elephantium)


Orders Completed this Set:

1. Permanently station a unit 1S of the Fish in Hannibal's lake. Any Tom, Dick, or Harry will do for the job. On second thought, send Dick to that post. Rename the unit "Dick's Dock" to represent the proprietor of the fishing cabin where Hannibal goes on vacation. Oh, and play http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieIFZDZM69c in the background while you carry out this order. It's the theme song for the fishing village of Dick's Dock. (Elephantium)

I finally got something accomplished!

Hannibal's Story:

Spoiler :

150 AD dawned with great hope for Carthage and Hannibal himself. The Japanese were no more and the pitiful Netherlanders were all but isolated even if they were not yet imprisoned in their pitiful, icebound capital, Groningen. William continued to whine about the ‘war’ but Hannibal had not the time to listen . The Dutch would have peace once Hannibal could ensure their good behavior.

Even if Hannibal had wished to give William additional attention, which he did not, he had other matters that weighed upon his mind; the security of his lake cabin was chief amongst them. After the destruction of the Minoans, Hannibal’s forces had discovered that the rowdy barbarians had trashed Hannibal’s cabin, polluting it with hundreds of empty beer cans, emptying the frig of everything but a box of baking soda and TP’ing all the trees. And not a single Carthaginian had been invited. This was intolerable.

The priests of Elephantium, seeing Hannibal’s brooding, quickly sought to cheer the great leader. “Hannibal, why is it that you spend your time in such a dark mood? You have destroyed the Japanese and you are on the verge of victory against the Netherlanders. It would even seem that Osman will fall to the might of Carthage before much longer. Yet your worry over the childishness of the Minoans, barbarians that lack such basic organization skills that we cannot even establish and embassy or formal diplomatic relations with them.”

“Wise priests of Elephantium, I know it to be folly, but I now have reports that there are Mycenian conscripts near the lake and that they have been seen in the company of a prophetess Kesha. It would seem that they intend to throw yet another bash at the lake and I have not received an invitation.”

“Ah, great Hannibal.” The priests of Elephantium said with great patience. “This is not a problem but an opportunity. A great prophetess such as Kesha requires protection, attention and gold. These are things that the Mycenians do not posses. Bob has assured us that the Mycenians have but 25 gold in their tribal funds, a pitiful amount. Surely the great Hannibal can offer better?”

Hannibal dwelled on these thoughts – including the fact that every barbarian tribe had exactly 25 pieces of gold stored in their city. It seemed as if the gods worked in very mysterious ways. “These things are true, wise priest of Elephantium. What course are you suggesting?”

“Just this, great Hannibal. Send your mightiest guardians to your lake home and then send a message to the prophetess to join them there for a party that will never stop. It will bring much happiness to the people and be worthy at least 10% on the luxury slider.” The priests assured him.

Hannibal found this to be good advice and reacted immediately. Dick’s unit was not far from the lake even now and surely his band was one of the best in the land. Dick’s messengers responded immediately – they were in route to Hannibal’s dock.

To Hannibal’s great surprise, word of Elephantium’s plan quickly spread throughout the people of Carthage. The people were so overjoyed by the thought of Carthage securing the presence of the prophetess that they immediately set about improving Hannibal’s cave. When they were done a wonderful house was erected for Hannibal to hold court. Hannibal was greatly pleased. There only seemed to be one thing missing . . .

. . . there was still no DOOR! What, Hannibal wondered, did a man need to do to get a little privacy?!?

Hannibal had no time to wonder on this mystery. A new band of horse had been trained at New Crobuzon that were calling themselves The Conscripts; which was very confusing because they had been rated by their trainers as a veteran band. It was suggested that they were being disobedient and had selected the name so at to ensure they were not give any task that would be too difficult. Annoyed, Hannibal immediately ordered them towards the front line with the Ottomans. It would not, Hannibal knew, be long before there would be action there. Osman was being annoyingly whiny and Hannibal’s patience was growing thin. And he had that funny beard.

It was 210 AD when Hannibal was again visited by his advisors. First came the Carthaginian domestic advisor. Hannibal, admiring his new palace, began to consider requesting that a wing be added to the palace so that he could meet his advisors someplace other than the throne room. Perhaps a room could be build that could hold more than one chair? Surely they had the money for such an addition.

“I fear not, great Hannibal.” His advisor said with a firm shake of her head, pulling out a long scroll of paper that rolled across the floor, out the door and down the stairs. That would not have happened; Hannibal brooded, if there was actually a DOOR in the doorway. Nevertheless he tried to focus on the scrawling contained on the paper and marveled at the generous use of red ink. That was surely a sign of Carthaginian wealth. Only the grimace on the face of his advisory caused him to pause.

“I suppose we could do with benches instead of chairs.” Hannibal conceded.

His heart sank as his advisor shook her head. “Great Hannibal, we are already overdrawing the treasury and money is tight across the kingdom. Have you not noticed that I am always wearing the same dress . . . for the last 4000 years?”

Hannibal had, in fact, not noticed. After all, had he not an empire to manage? Next she would be quizzing him about her shoes or the color of her eyes. He quickly moved to refocus her attention. “There must be a gold or two we can squeeze from the treasury?”

“No, Hannibal. Gold is being spent as fast as we take it in. Specifically, it is the unit support of our armies that drags us down, Hannibal. We have 46 units in service and we only have logistics for 11 units. Eleven units, Hannibal. We have more then four times that amount. What we do not have we must buy – at the cost of most of our gold – more than half of our entire income before we deduct for entertainment, maintenance, corruption and science. After all of those deductions, and with only a modest science budget, we must pay out 8 gold each tax season.”

“I see." Hannibal mused aloud. "Surely we can cut out some unnecessary expenses. How about corruption? Can we not reduce that?"

"That is easier said than done, Great Hannibal. We would need to punish the thieves and that would require us to build courthouses in our cities. The money saved may not be worth the expense of building these structures."

"Then what solutions have you for this problem?” Hannibal demanded.

“None, Hannibal.” The advisor said with a toss of her hair, already halfway to the door. “That’s your problem. That’s why you have a spatial palace.” And then she was gone.

After the departure of his domestic advisor, the Carthaginian Warlord and Foreign Advisor requested an audience. Hannibal felt in an foul mood but he agreed to the meeting (which, he grumbled, would need to take place in the throne room which was, amongst other things, also his bedroom because Carthage could not afford that expense either.

“Lord Hannibal, we have received word from the Knights of the Chalice that a band of Estruscan conscripts have set themselves up on the old Japanese roads and they are charging 25 gold piece toll for our units to pass.”

And thus the mystery of the barbarian’s 25 gold pieces was solved. But Carthage did not have 25 gold to waste on road fees. And even if they had the gold to send, Hannibal would not have turned it over to the grubby Estruscans.

“I’ve no patience for Estruscans. Find their ambassador and tell them to move.” Hannibal bellowed.

“The Estruscans are a minor band,” The foreign advisor reported. “They have no diplomatic presence in Carthage . . . or anywhere but that miserable stretch of road.”

Hannibal grinned. “Well then, let us give them their 25 gold pieces. In the shape of Carthaginian lances!”

Thus Knights of the Chalice ran down the ruffians without so much as breaking a sweat. Unfortunately they had not been successful in extorting anyone else and had no gold in their pockets. But Hannibal knew what would be found in the Estruscan encampment and ordered the Knights to continue searching the surrounding area.

At the same time, the Black Guard and the Tusks of Justice were dispersing a Mauryan encampment, depositing 25 gold in Carthage’s treasury. This would fund another 30 years of research at the current rate of expenditure, which even Hannibal had to admit was pretty anemic. Hannibal ordered an increase in research and pushed the deficit to -21 gold every 10 years. This mandated that Carthage destroy at least one barbarian encampment every 10 years to maintain.

At the same time, his captains reported they were ready to start searching the dangerous ocean. Hannibal bid them safe passage and ordered all ships to find new lands. Carthage would not hold them responsible for any lost or damaged ships. The current fleet included: Charge of Aabraxan, Kyoto’s Destruction, The Crimmerian Hunt, Shrub of Civinator, and Glory of Seen Elephants.

Success was immediate – the Charge of Aabraxan crossed the treacherous seas to the east of New Hannibalopolis and discovered green colored buoys floating in the water denoting the presence of a new and resourceful civilization.

The captain of Charge managed his ship with the renown skills of a Carthaginian Captain and before long he was drinking with kind Persian hosts and reports began to flow back to Smilin’ Bob.

“The Persians have little knowledge of the world and lacked many scientific improvements that we mastered many years ago.” Hannibal’s scientific advisor reported.

“ But Xerxes does posses a treasury with 315 pieces of gold.” The domestic advisor said with a greedy glint in her eye, a glint the Hannibal shared after their last conversation. “But we must be careful; the Persian gods have allowed them to spread to fourteen cities compared to our five. We must consider our position carefully.”

Hannibal gave this consideration. “How can we get all of this gold for ourselves?”

“That is easier than one may have expected.” The foreign advisor said cheerfully, given the science advisor a wink. “Xerxes is willing to pay every piece of gold to learn Mysticism, one of the lowliest techs known to the Carthaginians.”

“Excellent!” Hannibal said. “We will make this trade and it will fund more research that these pitiful civilizations may purchase from us. Their numerous cities will give them even more gold to pay for our knowledge and research!”

All agreed and the deal was struck. Carthage’s treasury expanded to 691 pieces of gold.

Barbarian gold continued to pour into the treasury. The Peanut Butter Brigade destroyed a band of Cumans. The Eagles put an end to more of the rebel Numidians. Things appeared to be going well until 260 AD.

“Great Hannibal, we must make a decision.” The Cultural Advisor said meekly. “The planned build for something great, such as a place to hang plants, as fallen through. We do not yet know the technology required to build and we cannot put of the build any longer. Current we are set to complete a new palace, but that will move the throne to Amsterdam.”

Hannibal gave this great thought and finally decided there was nothing that could be done about this, as wasteful as it may be. The palace would move. The benefit of this was that, for all of Smilin’ Bob’s historical value, Amsterdam was a much larger city with better prospects for wealth. The build would continue.

But there was also good news – Kyoto’s Destruction made the crossing to Persia and, as Charge headed south, Kyoto sailed to the north. Meanwhile Glory of Seen Elephants sailed into the open ocean to the west in search of new civs with which to trade.

The palace move to Amsterdam was completed in 280 AD and it was so popular that the people agreed to build Hannibal’s meeting room.

Hannibal was thrilled with this development. Now he could hold regular cabinet meetings. Next, he suggested, the people might think about building a second level to the palace so that Hannibal had a place to sleep other than on his throne.

Amidst the many celebrations, Hannibal made another fateful decision for Carthage. Hannibal ordered the invasion of the haughty Ottomans. Reports put their empire at the size of 11 cities and if they were to be cleared from the Carthaginian island, it would need to be soon. The order was given to all Carthaginian unit leaders. War had been declared, clean and fair.

Already at his disposal were 2 horse regiments – Peter Peter Japanese Beater and The King’s Own Take Two. The Conscripts were also in route. He also had 5 divisions of Ancient Cavalry – The Black Guard, The Tusks of Justice, The Krondorian Lancers, The Crimson Eagles, and the Silver Hawks, though the Black Guard’s column was slightly behind the main formations. Also in route were Civinator’s Chargers.

The Krondorian Lancers stuck first. The fist city in the path of the Carthaginian advance was Iznik. The Ottomans had the Sultan’s 3rd Spears rushing into formation when the Krondorians charged down upon them. Though the Lancers suffered minor wounds the spears were easily routed. The city might have been spared save for sensitive papers that were found at the city center – crude drawings of Hannibal’s mother were being distributed by Osman to provide entertainment to his people. Enraged, Hannibal ordered every Ottoman city to be burned and its people enslaved. Iznik was to be the first casualty in the war.

In 290 AD the war with the Ottomans heated up. Foolishly the Ottomans advanced two archer formations against the wounded Krondorian Lancers that had encamped in the ruins of Iznik to ensure that the city could not be saved. There were not enough people to enslave. The 103rd Osman’s Archers attacked in the night with the 107th close behind. But the Krondorian Lancers had outriders searching for escapees. The archers were caught in the open and their attack turned into a massacre – for the Ottomans. The 107th, seeing the slaughter, retreated to drop arrows upon the Lancers but the darkness made their attack in effective. Come first, however, the 107th realized their blunder. Though hiding amongst the herds of sacred elephants, they were already flanked by the elite Silver Hawks to their north. The formations of ancient cavalry swept down upon them. The struggle was too short to be called a battle. The 107th was no more.

Meanwhile, to the east, the offensive against Uskudar had begun. The Crimson Eagles smashed into the Sultan’s 10th Spear regiment at Uskudar. To everyone’s horror, the charging formations fell apart before the spears. The 10th was nearly broken when the city brought up the 23rd Sultan’s Auxiliary Spears into flanking position. When the dust settled, the Crimson Eagles were no more. Even their commanders had been slain. Peter and Peter were second in the charge. Though they tried to break through to save the Eagles, the 23rd Sultan’s Auxiliary Spears blocked their advance. Peter and Peter, though bloodied, crushed the flanking spears to the last man, clearing the way for the third formation of Carthaginian riders, the Tusks of Justice. The 10th had had enough. The formation shatterd against the Tusks of Justice and the city burned.

Word also arrived that Dick’s band had reached Hannibal’s lake home and were even now building fortification to ensure it safety. An invitation was sent to the prophetess Kesha and there was much rejoicing throughout the land when she arrived and though it was not enough to offset 10% on the luxury slider as was previously estimated, Hannibal still felt a deep satisfaction in this accomplishment.

With the war going well, Hannibal thought the gods were smiling upon Carthage. And indeed this was true. In 300 AD his cultural advisor burst into the meeting room, a huge grin upon her face. “Great Hannibal! We have succeeded in building the Temple of CommandoBob in Caseyboy97’s Asylum!”

“But we have also received word that the Mayans have mastered the art of hanging gardens. It has become quite the attraction. Initial reports indicate it has brought great happiness to the Mayan people.”

Hannibal waived away this news. These Mayans and Hittites were becoming a great annoyance to Hannibal but he would deal with them . . . when Carthage found them. Sadly, the quest for new lands had inflicted its first loss in the open ocean. The Glory of Seen Elephants, after being handled with superb skill, had finally sunk during a massive storm. There was no news of any survivors; it was assumed that all hands were lost at sea.

Hannibal immediate ordered a new Glory to be constructed to continue with this great legacy, only this time, because of Carthage’s advanced technology, it would be a sturdy galley rather than a flimsy curragh. It was an ominous beginning for the year 300 AD.

 

[Raliuven]

Turn 146-155

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) [Shrub of Civinator, Kyoto’s Destruction]
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 Tigers, Izmalis, The Dark Brotherhood, Kai Lords , 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. Name your second army The Defenders and fill it with the most advanced defensive units at time (no overriding) (CharcoalDioxide)
6. This army is critical for the success of Hannibal's armed forces, and as such is too important to let just any Tom, Dick, or Harry join it. Do not fill the army with any of those three units. Instead, name the units being added to The Defenders: [Guardian, Protector, Sentinel, Warden] (Elephantium)


Orders Completed this Set:

1. 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.] (Elephantium)

Spoiler :

By 300 AD Hannibal was comfortable with Carthage’s superiority in the world. The war against the ottomans was going quite well and even now The Black Guard and Civinator’s Charges were poised to destroy yet another fledgling Ottoman city – Izmit. This one, reports told, had the potential, however slight, of producing more needed slaves to work on Carthage’s growing expanse of roads.

In 310 AD the Shrub of Civinator began its ocean voyage, heading into southern waters. At the same time news reached Hannibal of the great Battle for Izmit. The Ottomans began the engagement with a flanking maneuver. The cavalry men of Civinator’s Charges had mad camp amongst the Tobacco fields outside Izmit, comfortable in their superiority. Unbeknownst to them, during the night the 117th Osman Archers had moved to the west around Civinator’s right flank while the cavalry men took up. The formation was foolish, however, for they had set up in their ranks upon on open field – each targets for Carthaginian cavalry. Meanwhile, the 56th Sultan’s Auxiliary Spears had formed ranks at the outskirts of Izmit, spears valiantly thrust before them. The Black Guard, perched upon their hill, could easily see the formation. Their commanders knew that if they struck hard and fast the 56th would disintegrate and leave the city vulnerable to attack and capture.

The Black Guard charged down the hill in a flash of iron tipped lances. The battle was brutal – the 56th held fast to their position. The Black Guard formations began to come apart against the fierce defense. It was only the fierce determination of the guard captains and remaining veteran that the attack drove home. The 56th spears broke but the bodies of over 70% of the Black Guard remained amongst the dead. What remained, however, was a bloodied elite cavalry unit.

The destruction of the 56th did not put an end to Izmit, however. The 272nd Reserve Spears, hastily assembled, rushed to the front. Their spears had only begun to lower as Civinator’s Charges stabbed into their lines. The route was complete. Civinator’s Charges crushed the remaining defenders without any significant wounds, proving their elite status.

Izmit burned as instructed by Hannibal’s edict of 280 AD. The Izmitians themselves were not innocent. Many crude images of Hannibal’s mother formed the central pyre that consumed the Ottoman city. No one was spared.

The Battle settled, the Conscripts slipped to the West to scout for ‘barbarians’. It was, or course, by ‘accident’ that they happened to stop at a oasis & spa. One of the few survivors would later report to Hannibal that the horse captains had freely distributed alcohol to the troops. Thus it was no surprise that when the 133rd Osman Archers attacked that the Conscripts suffered devastating loses. The 133rd had claimed an elevated position and the arrows fell like rain upon the ranks of man and horse. Only a few scattered survivors managed to hold the ragged formations together so that the Conscripts did not cease to exist as a unit.

The Conscripts were fortunate in that the 133rd archers had not escaped unscathed so they could not pursue to finish off the weakened band. They had halted at the oasis to bind their wounds and await the arrival of the 117th Osman’s Archers. The Conscripts were doubly fortunate in that the Maggot Makers were close at hand. The Maggot Makers, true to their name, destroyed the 133rd archers, suffering only minor wounds. At the same time, in a pincer move, Civinator’s Charges swept down upon the 117th, catching them in the flank even as they charged forwards to avenge the 133rd. Once more Civinator’s Chargers emerged from the battle completely unscathed.

Thus ended the Battle of Izmit, a city that would only be remembered as a footnote in the great history of Carthage.

Hannibal waited impatiently as reports continued to funnel in. The Tusks, an elite unit, narrowly avoided destruction to the lowly 191st Osman’s archers, winning but only just, pushing through a hail of arrows with a bloody frenzy. The Foxes destroyed the 7th Desert Warriors, a veteran band of Ottoman warriors that had been caught south of Caseyboy97’s Asylum when hostilities erupted. There were also numerous reports of barbarian skirmishes.

In 340 AD Hannibal received the horrible news that the Shrub of Civinator had gone down at sea. Though many of his advisors tried to console him, Hannibal began to feel frustrated at Carthage’s isolation. A new Galley had been built at Amsterdam and it was given the honored title of The Glory of Seen Elephants Too. This galley, Hannibal knew, would be successful and new contacts would be established.

New was also sent by Battle of Amsterdam. The captain had ordered his ship in the waters east of Korea; no ship had ever been further east.

Hannibal had only just settled into his throne, flush with the victories against the Ottoman yet heavy of heart when the wise priests of Elephantium approached.

“Oh great Hannibal, we have received word that the boarder with William of the Dutch has been secured by Numindian spears. It is time to make peace with these backward people and arrange for the travel of the Dutch people throughout our lands, a reminder to our people that it sucks to be them.”

“Wise and noble priests of Elephantium, of course you are right. It shall be so.” And so Hannibal sent his emissaries to make treaties with the cowards William. Of course the weak Netherlander drooled at the chance to lick Carthage’s boots. Hannibal had hoped that they would have some small token to offer Carthage to justify its continued existence- some pittance to offset the cost of the guards upon their boarder. Alas it was not to be. All William could offer was an endless supply of snow. Hannibal declared the offer.

With the signing of peace with the Dutch Hannibal was free to focus upon the Ottomans. He had also dispatched scouts to examine Gandhi’s borders. What the scouts reported was lackluster. True the Indians had nine cities to the Carthaginian’s five cities but the land was so poor that the Indians continued to fumble in the hills, swamps and jungles. Soon, Hannibal knew, they would need to be ‘handled’. The Koreans were little better, though the Ottomans would need to be removed before that struggle could begin.

Meanwhile runners reported that the Krondorian Lancers had skewered the 102nd Osman’s archers only to reveal the 109th archers in close formation behind them. The surprise was total. The captains of the Krondorian Lancers tried to form new lines for a 2nd charge into the Ottoman forces but that did not prove possible. Fortunately the Silver Hawks were upon the Lancer’s northern flank and responded to the battle horns with alacrity. A new battle was joined. Forewarned of the enemy position by the brutal slaughter of the 102nd, the 109th archers immediately began to launch volleys of arrows into the air. The arrows managed to take a few riders from the saddle but the overall effect was minimal. Victory belonged to the Carthaginians.

Hannibal’s dilemma was soon solved. The foreign advisor burst into the palace, his face grave. Beside him strode Hannibal’s stalwart military advisor. The foreign advisor was a man that worried too much, an infliction caused by his job. The military advisor had a confident, almost triumphant look. Finally entered the Carthaginian domestic advisor. Their sober mood was a clear indication that this was a conversation to be had in the new conference room.

The long walk down the hall to the conference room was almost more the nervous foreign advisor. They had only just managed to sit at the table when he leaped to his feet and burst. “Those treacherous swine! The Ottomans have convinced the Koreans to declare war upon the people of Carthage! They have spread many falsehoods! The Koreans believe we are cannibals and that we cheat at monopoly! Their advisor says they can no longer tolerate our existence.”

“Ha!” Said the military advisor. His stock with Hannibal had gone up several notches since the destruction of Japan and the already successful war against the Ottomans. “The Koreans are superstitious, sniveling cowards. They know little of the world or have the many technological advances that we have discovered. The will be ground to dust under the hooves of our victorious cavalry and upon the spears of our impervious Numindian allies.”

Hannibal considered this carefully but he could find no fault in these words.

“You forget,” The science advisor said. He was a recent arrival to the conference. Hannibal had not even heard him enter . . . since his home had no door. “That the Koreans have also discovered the secrets of horseback riding. It would seem the renegade Numindians have instructed several bands of cavalry officers.”

“Our Ancient Cavalry will eat them alive.” The military advisor reported with great confidence.

“You also forget that our supply lines are long and we have not even completed the road through the old Japanese lands and we must protect the road from the prolific barbarian hordes. Our economy is already stressed to the breaking point.” The domestic advisor said, bring everyone back to a reality that measured accomplishments one gold piece at a time. “We must proceed with caution.”

“There is good news, great Hannibal.” The cultural advisor reported, also newly arrived. “We have completed a Library at Caseyboy97’s Asylum. This will serve as a beacon of culture to the world and it will increase our scientific research. We are already building libraries in all of our remaining cities.”

All agreed this was good news. Hannibal faced his military advisor again. “What is the chance that we can generate some good from this new war?”

“Lord, we have many elite units poised to attack. All we need to do is wait for them to come within range of our lances and we shall put an end to them. If the fortune of the gods smiles upon us one of our leaders will prove himself to be truly great.”

“There is nothing we can do about the war at the moment anyway,” The nervous foreign advisor reported with a twitch. “They will not even respond to our envoys. We have no choice but to fight.”

“It would seem that our path is clear, at least for now.” Hannibal grinned savagely. “Bring me their heads!”

It was with savage glee that Hannibal received reports from the runners from the war front report the Carthaginian progress. The first report detailed the attack on the Ottoman city of Atalya. The poor citizens scrambled in terror as the Maggot Makers calmly prepared their charge. The bronze tips of the 59th Sultan’s Auxiliary Spears gleamed in the sunlight. The charge began slow, hooves rolling like a soft thunder; each beat the pounding of a heart in the breast of the 59th spears. Terror began to seize their ranks before the first lance found its mark. The 59th was already defeated. Spears began to fall to the ground and the 59th Auxiliary disappeared in the ranks of the ordinary citizens. Not a single bronze spear tip was stained with blood.

The 73rd Spears watched with growing horror as their flank was left exposed by their fleeing companions. The display of the Maggot Makers with their skull-like helms grinning fiercely was stunning. They were so captivated that they did not see The Knights of the Chalice until they were charging the formation. Spears snapped down quickly into place but it was of little help. Lances tore through their lines and the 73rd followed their companions in a route. A few small knots, however, remained true to their pathetic ruler, Osman and inflicted wounds upon the knights though it meant the end of their own lives in turn.

The crumble of both spear formations left Atalya unprotected. The Knight strode into the city victorious. And though there was not so much as a single piece of gold in the city coffers the knights found something of even greater value. A band of ottoman workers coward behind the city battlements and surrendered as the first lance tip were lowered. The Knights rounded up the workers in a band and were given the honor of Ottoman01.

The advance on the Ottoman hit a small snag as the elite ancient cavalry formation charged the 101st Osman Archers. Harmless though they seemed, this regular band of archer fought fiercely, tossing down their bows and fighting with little more than daggers and their bare hands. The Black Guard, though victorious, was severely bloodied. The captains quickly gathered the survivors and began to entrench so that they could heal. This, however, would not be easy, for a band of Hurrian barbarians began to rummage through the bodies of the dead for trinkets. Like crows they were drawn to the death and they began to sniff around the survivors of the Black Guard.

Hannibal prayed for their deliverance and for the continued success for the Carthaginian advance, which had been practically bloodless for Carthage. He had little time to be concerned regarding this, however. The twitchy foreign advisor was once more at his door. Beside him was Carthage’s science advisor.

“Great Hannibal, we have finally located the Americans!” The foreign advisor reported. “The Battle of Amsterdam located them far to the east. It took some time to communicate with them - the silly gits were running around shouting ‘The Carthaginians are coming! The Carthaginians are coming!’ This we found particularly annoying.”

“Ah, these Americans do seem to be an annoying people, what with their ‘great walls’ and all. Do they have anything to trade?” Hannibal asked.

“Yes, great lord. In fact, they have made much better progress than our own scientists. They already know the secrets of construction and currency – and perhaps much more. At this time we cannot even conceive of the secrets they may have uncovered – and they have a great library with all the knowledge of the world within it. It is very frustrating, great Hannibal. Trading with them will be difficult.”

“Then we need to find others. There must be more people living near these Americans. Find them.” Hannibal ordered. After all, 370 AD was far too late to be meeting these enemy civs.”

“Indeed, lord. But the news is not all good. Kyoto’s Destruction was lost at sea. They were close to Persian shores and Xerxes was kind enough to return our waterlogged sailors. There were reports of a giant squid and a huge white whale.” The foreign advisor said, looking over his shoulder as if the squid might be behind him. “They were so rattled they refused to set sail again. I sent them to live in Caseboy97’s Asylum.”

“That is most unfortunate. We must build more ships so we can meet more people. We cannot continue to afford to lag behind other civilizations and be forgotten.”

“Fear not, great Hannibal, for we have built a second library in Amsterdam. Our scientist say that they receive may beakers of knowledge from these institutions on a regular basis.” The cultural advisor assured him.

It was the year 380 AD when the struggle between Carthage and the Ottomans began to peak. The Ottoman military had finally appeared – two bands of Archers – the 111th and the 126th – appeared beyond the walls of Konya. At the same time, a band of regular archers, the 182nd Osman’s Archers was joined by a band of veteran Archers, the 310th Marksmen. They were also accompanied by a veteran band of warriors, Osman’s 2nd Bodyguards also known as the Black Axes, for they left their enemies blood upon their stone axe heads.

Also visible in Edrine was the 61st and 67th Auxiliary Spears while Konya, not completely scouted, was guarded by no less than the Bloody Wall – an elite band of Ottoman spears that had repelled many waves of barbarians. The Bloody Wall would be a formidable adversary. It was almost a shame to waste them to guard the pitiful city of Konya.

The battle for Edrine was first to be resolved. The Krondorian Lances once more led the charge. Gleaming spear tips belonging to the sturdy 67th formation met the charge. From behind the ranks of gleaming spears a storm of arrows from the 134th Archers. Arrows slashed into the ranks of the Krondorian felling several riders from their saddles. That was not enough to save the 67th, however. The formation crumbled. Those that did not toss down their spears were crushed under iron shod hooves. The Silver Hawks reached the 61st before the 134th could offer further support and another Ottoman spear formation evaporated. The Tusks of Justice made quick work of the 134th that was attempting to retreat back through the city. Several Hawks and Tusks lay dead in the streets of Edrine but by the end of the day the city was burning. A second band of slaves and 4 pieces of gold were returned to Carthage as spoils. In the open field Peter & Peter ran down the Black Axes, putting and end to their reign of terror. Finally The Kings Own Take Two charged the 310th Marksmen, leaving no survivors. The 182nd was all that remained on the northern warfront. Gravely wounded the Black Guard retreated to cover.

By 390AD Carthage had met the Mayans, neighbors of the Americans. They also knew many things the Carthage did not, including Construction, Currency and Monarchy. They did not know literature but they also would not give anything for the knowledge. Frustrated at this inequity, Hannibal decided to raise more money from India. Gandhi was willing to give 179 pieces of gold for Code of Laws, something that was common knowledge for the Ottomans and Koreans. This would fund another 60 years of research.

BY the end of 400 AD three more of Osman’s archers lay dead upon various fields. The brave Charge of Aabraxan, many years at sea, may have finally sighted land. Hannibal has a stack of 8 units outside the borders of the Ottomans – 5 AC & 3 Horses. After many elite battles, still no GL. I do have swords in route, however, to make the POP's Elite Rangers.

 

[Sparthage]

I don't know if this is valid or not:

You may not research or gain knowlege of Rocketry until you have named Guerillas (or units that upgrade to Guerillas) as follows...

Spoiler :

Delta Force, Spetsnaz, 1st Army Rangers, Night Stalkers, Black Tigers, Batalhão Tonelero, Snow Leopard Commandos, Black Wasps, Estonian Special Operations Force, Kommando Spezialkräfte, Garud Commandos, Quds Force, Sayeret, Gruppo di Intervento Speciale, Japanese Ground Self-Defense Unit, Grupo Aeromóvil de Fuerzas Especiales, Shree Yuddha Bhairav Battalion, Korps Commandotroepen, Korean People's Army Special Operations, Forsvarets Spesialkommando, Puma Special Operations, Operações Especiais, and Recces Brigade

There are 24 names on the list.

 

[clearmurky]

I am adding one to that list: TF 141. Name the reference to get a POP's atomic cookie of guessing.

 

[Raliuven]

Turn 156-165

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) [Shrub of Civinator, Kyoto’s Destruction]
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 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)
2. 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, Phaedo’s Pride , Izmalis, , Kai Lords , , The Veterans, and The Elites]
3. Do not build or capture the Great Library. Instead, self-research, trade, or pointy-stick research your advances. (Elephantium)
4. Name your second army The Defenders and fill it with the most advanced defensive units at time (no overriding) (CharcoalDioxide)
5. This army is critical for the success of Hannibal's armed forces, and as such is too important to let just any Tom, Dick, or Harry join it. Do not fill the army with any of those three units. Instead, name the units being added to The Defenders: [Guardian, Protector, Sentinel, Warden] (Elephantium)
6. You may not research or gain knowledge of Rocketry until you have named Guerillas (or units that upgrade to Guerillas) as follows... (Sparthage/Prince of Persia):

Spoiler :

Delta Force, Spetsnaz, 1st Army Rangers, Night Stalkers, Black Tigers, Batalhão Tonelero, Snow Leopard Commandos, Black Wasps, Estonian Special Operations Force, Kommando Spezialkräfte, Garud Commandos, Quds Force, Sayeret, Gruppo di Intervento Speciale, Japanese Ground Self-Defense Unit, Grupo Aeromóvil de Fuerzas Especiales, Shree Yuddha Bhairav Battalion, Korps Commandotroepen, Korean People's Army Special Operations, Forsvarets Spesialkommando, Puma Special Operations, Operações Especiais, and Recces Brigade, TF 141

Orders Completed this Set:

None.

**Edit** Wait! I did get one! Almost completely forgot about this one. I do have two setltler stored up in Caseboy97's Asylum, though I don't see myself using them at this point. All invasions will need to be at a drop off point, I think.

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)

Spoiler :

It was the year 400 AD when Hannibal met again with his science and trade advisors. Something was praying upon Hannibal’s mind and though he had toyed with one of the magical clay spheres used by the priesthood, he remained restless. How could it be that Carthage understood the secrets of Literature but the Mayans would not trade for this knowledge? The answer remained mostly the same – ‘Reply hazy, try again’, ‘Ask again later’, ‘Better not tell you now’ and the like.

Disgusted, Hannibal had given up on the devilish device. How could such and object determine anything? Thus it was that Hannibal sent to his advisors.

“What, my advisors, have you discovered from our diplomats and traders abroad?” Hannibal demanded anxiously.

“Good Hannibal,” The trade advisor said cautiously, “We have discovered that the Mayans do not know anything of your mother at this time and may be willing to make a trade at this time, though it will cost Carthaginian gold. We can leverage knowledge of Construction in trade for literature and 340 piece of our gold.”

“What? Three hundred and forty pieces of our gold for this knowledge! This is robbery! Perhaps they are unaware of what happens to those that stand in the way of Carthage’s might! Let them speak to our Japanese slaves so that they may learn their fate!”

“Good Hannibal, a declaration of war will do no good, I fear.” The science advisor said calmly. “The Battle of Amsterdam is far from home and it crossed great and treacherous waters to reach these distant lands. But all is not lost – for if it took our great ships so long to reach these lands then those near us surely do not know from where we gain these secrets! After all, our people are known for their great skills upon the sea; it will surely take them much longer to meet these people.”

“Yes, great Hannibal.” The trade advisor agreed. “This is a position we can play to our great advantage. We may by this secret for 340 pieces of our gold, but we will have great returns on our investments. And as our warriors cover the land we will find ample barbarians settlements that will supply our research appetites. We will also be immediately rewarded with the knowledge to build an aqueduct for Smilin’ Bob and New Crobuzon. We stand to gain in wealth and production, Hannibal. “

This pleased Hannibal greatly but he still winced at the thought of sending half of Carthage’s gold to the Mayans. “Is there no way we can reduce the damages to our treasury?” Hannibal grumbled.

“Indeed, great Hannibal.” The trade advisor smiled with a wicked gleam in her eyes. “The pathetic lord of the Persians, Xerxes will give us all of his 109 pieces of gold for Polytheism. If we take this deal the damage to our gold stocks will be greatly reduced.”

“And what of the war?” Hannibal demanded of his war leader.

“Hannibal, the Ottomans are cowards. Osman has sent an envoy begging for peace. They say if we will give them peace that they will give us their entire treasury – 60 pieces of gold as well as three Ottoman cities! Konya, Kafa and Bursa. It is unlikely the Ottomans will ever recover from this treaty. We will be free to destroy them after a measly 400 years. Meanwhile we can turn our attention to destroying the Koreans if they are brave enough to appear and cutting down the residents of India. There are rumors they are training bands of Elephant and this is not good – we must stop them before they accomplish this feat or it may be a military disaster for us.”

Hannibal understood all to well for this prayed upon his mind with a great savagery. All of the nations of the world would continue to spread unless checked by Carthage’s might while Carthage had but the five cities granted by the great god pi4t. It was a situation that would require cunning and skill for Carthage to overcome.

In the wake of the meeting Hannibal made several fateful decisions. The trade with the Mayans and Persians would be executed. Carthage would also accept peace from Osman but as a mark of vengeance for their blasphemous treatment of the name and image of Hannibal’s mother the surrendered cities would be burned and its people butchered as a warning to all.

It was, of course, unfortunate that the Koreans were now hung out to dry by their so-called Ottoman ‘allies’. Hannibal also passed word that it was time to deal with Gandhi’s swamp ridden people. He ordered that a formal Declaration of War be delivered to Gandhi immediately.

Word was immediately passed that the libraries and Smilin’ Bob and New Crobuzon be converted to aqueducts. How the engineers turned bookshelves into a water sluice Hannibal did not know and did not particularly care. It was time for the great cities of Carthage to achieve their full potential!

It did not take long for word of Mayan ‘hospitality’ to reach Carthage. The Battle of Amsterdam, though damaged fighting barbarian pirates in foreign waters, was denied safe harbor amongst the Mayans for repairs. This insult, Hannibal promised, would be remembered!

At the same time the brave Charge of Aabraxan discovered a new civilization – the Chinese. These people were very much backward in their knowledge and skills, not even knowing Polytheism or Writing of all things. Nor did they have any significant store of money, which was very unfortunate. Carthage could have used the influx of gold.

The good news continued as Carthage met the Hittites, a mountainous people by all appearances. Hannibal was glad to finally know where these Hittites were located, for they had stolen two wonders from Carthage and this angered Hannibal greatly.

But when Hannibal sent for his war leaders it was his trade advisor that once more appeared. “Goodly Hannibal it is not yet time for us to raise our hand against such distant neighbors, for there is a great opportunity here. We know of the republic but the Hittites do not. The do know both currency and monarchy. The Americans know of currency but not Monarchy. Furthermore, the Ottomans now knows of monarchy. A deal can be made here. We can give the Ottomans the Republic for Monarchy and their 1 piece of gold . We may then give either Monarchy or Republic to our new neighbors to see what more can be gained. Once we have currency we may decide on the next course of action that is best. This will also vault us into a new era of knowledge, great Hannibal!”

Hannibal dearly loved the wicked mind of his trade advisor and ordered it so. Osman readily gave up his knowledge of Monarchy and 1 piece of gold for the Republic. Lincoln was then offered Monarchy for currency and his 3 pieces of gold. Thus it came to be that no civilization knew more than the Carthaginians and many new far, far less. And there were still other civilizations to find! In that spirit a new Shrub of Civinator II was christened and sent to sea.

The Bears fought a pitch battle against a Numidian tribe bring back their small treasure which was a relief to Hannibal. Then in 430AD the Lions disbanded a group of Nubian hostiles.

In 440 AD the Koreans sent an emissary demanding the knowledge of Mathematics to halt their attack. As no Korean units had yet to show themselves, Hannibal laughed and put the messenger in shackles. His future would be that of a slave to Hannibal’s mother; retribution for Mao’s unsavory reputation.

In 440 AD the Leopards destroyed a camp of Assyrians that were trying to collect the wild herds of horses near New Crobuzon.

The war against India truly began in 450 AD with the cavalry assault of the Indian city of Bengal. The elite Knights of the Chalice began the attack in spite of a long night of drinking and wenching. A band of Ainu conscripts were already on the outskirts of the city, pillaging with impunity. The Knights faced a band of regulars; the 10th Independent Spear Division well entrenched in the hills. Hannibal was not certain what they were independent from, but he intended that their spirits would be ‘independent’ of their bodies very soon.

It came as no surprise when word reached Smilin’ Bob that nearly all of the knights, well into their cups even before the charge was ordered, began charging and retreating apparently at random. The carnage to the Knights was horrendous though the 10th did not escape casualties. The battle had reduced them to less than 70% of their effective fighting power.

The shrewd leaders of the Maggot Makers watched with amusement at the Knight bumbled around the battle. As the remnants sobered with countless deaths the Maggot Makes formed their charge and struck the celebrating defenders. The lances of the Maggot Makers found their mark and the 10th was routed into Bengal.

The total Indian dead numbered more than three thousand on the field amongst the bodies of 500 of the lost knights. The Maggot Makers left behind not a single corpse of their own. The laurels of an elite band were delivered to the shrewd leaders of the solid band when they send the severed heads of Bengals’ city council to Smilin’ Bob. Unfortunately there was only 1 piece of gold in the city coffers, but it was also sent to Hannibal. The Indians were, after all, a poor and backward people.

In an almost anticlimactic charge the Knights of the White Mountain trampled the confused Ainu conscripts that had just witnessed the slaughter of Bengal.

In 460 AD the Battle of Amsterdam encouraged a new people that lived very close to the Hittites. These were the Byzantines and they were a very backward people compared to their neighbors. They did not even know Masonry!

It was also the fateful year of 460 AD that the aqueduct was completed at New Crobuzon. Now all of the cities of Carthage could expand into large populations. Markets and libraries were going up in a flurry of activity.

In 470 AD the first marketplace was constructed in Amsterdam and there was great rejoicing amongst the people of Carthage. Hannibal shrewdly determined that soon he would be able to reduce his expenses on luxuries for his people and this would mean better research.

Not all news was good, however. A Hittite vessel was spied by the Battle of Amsterdam weathering the sea back towards the Carthaginian homeland and the hostile Korean people. Things might be hot for Carthage very soon, the Hannibal did not care what the other peoples of the world thought. All that matter was the commands of the gods.

The next target for Carthage’s might was the small Indian city of Karachi defended by the 4th & 16th Independent Spear Divisions. They were well entrenched in the hills and the companion 117th Mountain Archers were also nearby. After surveying the defenses the order was given to attack. Civinator’s Chargers and the Maggot Makers, both elite bands, were poised to attack from high ground.

The Chargers swept down upon the 16th without remorse but it was the loyal Indian spears that stood fast and caused great carnage. Civinator’s Charges crashed upon the spears but could not gain any purchase. Ranks of spears thrust forwards and hundreds of cavalrymen were left upon the field. The Maggot Makers, once more watching the outcome of the battle timed their charge carefully. Even so half of their numbers were left upon the field but the 16th had broken. The 4th closed in a flanking maneuver and the Maggots suffered under the press until they could withdraw. This battle belonged to India and Carthage was forced to retreat until reinforcements could be brought up. Both units retreated to the cover of the Knights of the White Mountain.

This unfortunate turn of events was grave. Already the 121st Jungle Archers were advancing along with India’s 82nd and 94th Independent Horse Regiments. These were the best India could offer.

In 490AD Hannibal was informed by the Foreign and Trade Advisors that a new people had been encountered – the Sumerians. They lacked knowledge of Construction and the Republic but had little to offer in trade. China now had 34 pieces of gold. Hannibal, based upon the counsel of his advisors, gave China writing for all of their gold – it would fund another turn of Carthage’s research.

While enjoying the gold that was fruit of labor of Carthage’s navy Hannibal received the sad news that the Glory of Seen Elephants Too had gone down at sea. All of Carthage was required to hold a moment of silence, even the noisy bastards that lived in Caseboy97’s Asylum.

The Indian War

 

[CommandoBob]

Good work!

Has Hannibal gotten a front door yet? Or a bathroom/WC/privy?

(Idea, not an order)
Hannibal needs a national shrine to store souvenirs/trophies/loot from the cities conquered or acquired. It is a bit far off, and only a suggestion, but the Military Academy might be suitable for that.

 

[Raliuven]

Has Hannibal gotten a front door yet? Or a bathroom/WC/privy?

Sadly, no. But the day shall come!

Good work!
(Idea, not an order)
Hannibal needs a national shrine to store souvenirs/trophies/loot from the cities conquered or acquired. It is a bit far off, and only a suggestion, but the Military Academy might be suitable for that.

That is a very good idea - all I need is a GL first! Though the gods may smile upon Hannibal and most certainly laugh at his expense, the RNGod is an elusive and fickle god indeed! I have an entire slew of elite units but so far, nothing.

For points of discussion, if discussion may be had by any/all, the problem Hannibal is currently facing is the deficit he is running with a 5CC challenge. How do you possibly keep up research? Hannibal has plenty of trading opportunities with the map being divided up, though it looks like he might have a supercontinent to his east. Is the best path here to turn off research, forget the tech lead and just barter going forward between the haves and have-nots? The only thing keeping Hannibal's research afloat at the moment is the very generous amount of barb camps that are spawning all over the place - this is producing more gold then the tech trades! Growing cities to size 12 certainly helps as will the finished markets and libraries and, hopefully soon, universities.

At warlord, even with 14 enemy civs (soon to be 11 enemy civs not counting the fact that I can reach Persia too ) the AI will probably become stuck in the Middle ages for a very, very long time. Hannibal dreams of steam to cross these vast distances on a huge map, but I don't know that the game will get to that point.

 

[Elephantium]

Play a 15-turn set for your next report

 

[Raliuven]

I thought it might be a good idea to list all of the units that are currently in service to help lurkers follow the story.

2 Settlers (no names)

3 workers: 1) Bob from Account Temps, 2) Betty from Account Temps and 3) Boyz of Casey97

13 Slaves: 5 Dutch, 6 Japanese, 2 Ottoman

2 Warriors: (soon to be disbanded & replaced with upgrades): 1) Phaedo’s Pride, 2) Scourge of Amsterdam.

6 Swords: 1) The Anvil, 2) The Hammer, 3)The Tigers, 4) Left Right Left, 5) The Pointy Stick, 6) The Rock and the Hard Place

14 Horses: 1) The Leopards, 2) The Worms, 3) The Eagles, 4) The Wolves, 5) The Regulars, 6) The Peanut Butter Brigade, 7) The Bears, 8) The Snakes, 9) The Foxes, 10) The Lions, 11) The King’s Own Take Two, 12) Peter Peter Japanese Beater, 13) The Crimmerian Guard, 14) The Conscripts

19 Numidian Mercenaries: 1) Tom, 2) Dick’s Dock, 3) Harry, 4) The Watch, 5) The Elk, 6) The Adamantium Warriors, 7) The Dogs, 8) The Hawks, 9) The Bees, 10) The Deer, 11) The Mosquitoes, 12) The Gnats, 13) The Flies, 14) The Hornets, 15) The Mice, 16) The Wasps, 17) The Falcons, 18) The Jaguars, 19) The Rabbits

14 Ancient Cavalry: 1) The Knights of Ni, 2) Aabraxan’s Honor Guard, 3) The Dark Brotherhood, 4) The Regulators, 5) The Krondorian Lancers, 6) The Black Guard, 7) The Cavaliers, 8) The Silver Hawks, 9) The Tusks of Justice, 10) The Knights of the Chalice, 11) Civinator’s Chargers, 12) Paladins of the Silver Flame, 13) The Maggot Makers, 14) Knights of the White Mountain

2 Galleys: 1) Shrub of Civinator II, 2) Kyoto’s Destruction II

3 Curraghs: 1) The Crimmerian Hunt, 2) Battle of Amsterdam, 3) Charge of Aabraxan.

 

[Raliuven]

Turn 166-180

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) [Shrub of Civinator, Kyoto’s Destruction]
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)
10. 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)

Actions (things to get done):

1. 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, , , , , , , and The Elites]
2. Do not build or capture the Great Library. Instead, self-research, trade, or pointy-stick research your advances. (Elephantium)
3. Name your second army The Defenders and fill it with the most advanced defensive units at time (no overriding) (CharcoalDioxide)
4. This army is critical for the success of Hannibal's armed forces, and as such is too important to let just any Tom, Dick, or Harry join it. Do not fill the army with any of those three units. Instead, name the units being added to The Defenders: [Guardian, Protector, Sentinel, Warden] (Elephantium)
5. You may not research or gain knowledge of Rocketry until you have named Guerillas (or units that upgrade to Guerillas) as follows... (Sparthage/Prince of Persia):

Spoiler :

Delta Force, Spetsnaz, 1st Army Rangers, Night Stalkers, Black Tigers, Batalhão Tonelero, Snow Leopard Commandos, Black Wasps, Estonian Special Operations Force, Kommando Spezialkräfte, Garud Commandos, Quds Force, Sayeret, Gruppo di Intervento Speciale, Japanese Ground Self-Defense Unit, Grupo Aeromóvil de Fuerzas Especiales, Shree Yuddha Bhairav Battalion, Korps Commandotroepen, Korean People's Army Special Operations, Forsvarets Spesialkommando, Puma Special Operations, Operações Especiais, and Recces Brigade, TF 141

Orders Completed this Set:

1. Play a 15-turn set for your next report (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)

Spoiler :

The battle reports for 510 AD were encouraging for Carthage and greatly amused Hannibal. The brave 82nd and 94th Independent Horse Regiments advanced on the Carthaginian units encamped outside of Karachi while the 121st Jungle Archers moved west to cover the mountain approach to the city. Nor did Hannibal forget that the 4th Independent Spear Division still held the city and the 117th Mountain Archers were lurking somewhere nearby, possibly covering the iron supply north of the city.

Hannibal reviewed the tactical situation. The Knights of the Chalice were up to strength again and had even beat off an ambush by more Ainu conscripts while encamped but there were out of position and would not be involved in the coming cavalry conflict. It was finally decided that the under strength Maggot Makers would make the first charge against the 82nd. The charge was carried off flawlessly. Making a feint towards the 94th, the Maggot Makers, skeletal helms held high made an abrupt turn and slashed through the weakened flank of the 82nd Horses throwing them into disarray. Confusion spread like an infection through the 82nd and 94th. Observing the carnage the Paladins of the Silver Flame picked their moment. The 94th attempted to cover the retreat of the 82nd but in doing so left itself vulnerable. Unable to turn least the Maggots press through their lines, the 94th was encircled by the Carthaginian cavalry. No quarter was given between the cavalry units. In the end both the 82nd and 94th ceased to exists and only a handful of the Paladins and suffered wounds, a mere 10 dead or wounded for the death of 600 Indian horsemen.

At the same time the Knight of the White Mountain were ordered to retreat so that Carthage could consolidate and press forward once more with renewed strength.

Though engrossed in the current war Hannibal’s advisors would not allow him to forget about the world at large. The Crimmerian Hunt reported that the Hittites had founded a city near the Hostile Koreans. The city was called Alalah and it assured that the Hittites and Carthage would eventually be enemies. But for now the Hittites were willing to give 60 pieces of gold and a tribute of 2 gold for the next 200 years for knowledge of the Republic.

“But the Hittites are already a Monarchy!” Hannibal snorted. “Do they not understand the chaos that changing a government causes?” Carthage had survived that disaster once already and that was one time too many.

“It does not seem to matter, Great Hannibal.” The Foreign Advisor reported. “These other civilizations crave knowledge of even those things that will do them no good. Perhaps they intend to sell it to their neighbors?”

“Ha, we must make sure that does not happen. If knowledge is to be bought, the gold will flow through Carthage!” Hannibal growled.

“If we give them this knowledge; we will use it to pay for the research of even greater knowledge.” The Trade Advisor reassured Hannibal. “All nations will pay Carthage for these secrets and we shall prosper.”

In 520AD Hannibal received additional news – the Mayans understood the secrets of Feudalism. This knowledge had come quickly to the Mayans and Hannibal began to worry about the viability of Carthaginian research.

By 530AD the encamped Carthaginian forces had no choice but to move. The 117th Mountain Archers had climbed the heights of the Kamet Mountains. This forced Hannibal’s hand. The Knights of the Chalice, sober for once, were sent to clear out the archers before they could entrench and being raining arrows down on the encamped army. The Knights suffered minor wounds hardly worth mentioning.

At the same time Persia was given knowledge of Mathematics for their entire treasury of 47 pieces of gold.

To the great surprise of the Carthaginian command a band of Indian warriors appeared in the swamp to the south east of the Carthaginian camp. At first the pickets reported sighting of barbarian movements, something very common in the world. Then, upon realizing their mistake and after the ceased laughing (several were hospitalized with severe muscle spasms) they corrected their report. Though it hardly seemed worth, Civinator’s Chargers were sent to dispatch the band while the main body of the army advanced again on Karachi.

The attack itself seemed inconsequential to the overall war but this proved to be untrue. Civinator lead his men with great skill and valor. The Indian warriors, well trained in the use of the swampy terrain of their birth, led the first rank of cavalry into several shallow pits. A dozen watery graves awaited the Chargers. Ignoring the initial losses, Civinator drove his men forward. Forced from their positions, their tricks and traps rendered useless, the warriors tried to pull back but Civinator would give no quarter. After the battle the men of the Charges sung such praise of their command that Civinator was lifted to the position of a Great Leader of Carthage.

Hannibal rejoiced at this great victory and mused how the humblest of situations could change the fate of a civilization. Hannibal began to muse as to the use of this great army when he received a rare visit from the Priests of the God known as the Prince of Persia or, more simply, the God of POP (Hannibal was later briefed in the finer distinctions between the God of POP and the King of Pop; these were, Hannibal was informed, very different people).

“Victorious Hannibal, the gods command your hand as they lead the hand of Civinator and strengthened the arms and valor of the Chargers under his command. Civinator is to immediately report Amerstdam and create an army in POP’s honor. They shall be called POP's Elite Rangers and they will have a very special purpose.”

“The Army will be loaded with but one sword to begin. Two Galleys shall meet the army at the coast and the army shall embark with two additional swords upon the accompanying galley. These galleys shall make the crossing to the supercontinent to the east. Once they land they will reconstitute and all swords will join the army. Then Carthage shall wreak destruction upon our enemies, destroying cities and pillaging improvements to ensure that they cannot surpass Carthage’s might and power!”

“This is the fate and honor of POP’s Elite Rangers. They will not fail Carthage!”

Hannibal nodded at this sage advice. He knew it would take a long time for this plan to bare fruit but he knew it must be done for Carthage to survive and prosper.

At the same time Hannibal received even better news – the Ottomans had become suddenly enriched and were offering the incredible sum of 114 piece of gold and tribute of 7 pieces of gold for the next 200 years for the knowledge of Literature. It was a windfall that was much needed by Carthage and it was a shrewd move by Osman for it ensured the continued existence of the Ottomans for the next 200 years.

Because of the renewed peace Hannibal ordered four elite ancient cavalry, the Krondorian Lancers, the Tusks of Justice, The Black Guard, and the Silver Hawks away from warfront with the Ottomans to strike deep at the heart of India from the southern approach.

Hannibal also received news from William that he wished to extend the peace treaty that was keeping them alive. He also renews the Right of Passage that was decreed by the priests of the wise Elephantium.

By 560 AD Feudalism had spread to America. At the same time Carthage advanced two armies against India both comprised mostly of ancient cavalry. The 121st Jungle Archers made a new appearance in the swap to the south of the victorious Civinator’s Chargers. At the same time, conscripts from Gaul, having accepted a bribe from India, threatened to cut the road leading from Carthage to the war front. Unfortunately for the Gaul raiders, the Tigers, a veteran band of swordsmen were patrolling the Japanese pass. A second band of veteran swords, The Hammer, were also close by. Neither unit moved from its fortified position, awaiting the opening moves of the Gauls.

Karachi was well fortified by 570 AD. The 4th Independent Spear Division was solidly entrenched in the surrounding hills. Fortunate for Carthage, the 121st Jungle Archers had fortified too far away from Karachi to provide any cover for the spear formations, presumably as a mirror to Civinator’s Chargers.

The Knights of the Chalice were once again selected as the first unit into the fray. The Knights had long since learned their lesson regarding the evils of drinking before battle (though not after) and routed the 4th Independent Spears with few losses to the valiant knights. Capturing the city’s stocks of alcohol, mostly wine barely suitable for fish, the elite band celebrated their victory as the city was razed to the ground.

The remainder of the army surged past the burning city to continue its attack on India’s core cities, such as they were.

Hannibal reveled in the victory and felt his heart soar when his Foreign and Trade advisors appeared with great smiles.

“Great Hannibal, the Battle of Amsterdam had made yet another contact. The valiant crew has been a blessing to Carthage!” The Foreign Advisor said with joy. “This time they have met the utterly hopeless Spanish!”

“Utterly hopeless?” Hannibal mused. “How, then, is this contact of any use to Carthage?”

“Hopeless, Hannial, but not poor!” The Trade Advisor assured him. “They are ignorant people, knowing not much that is plain to Carthage, but they have access to great stores of gold, likely from their growing silk trade. They are so desperate for knowledge that they will give all 288 pieces of their gold for philosophy! This is a good deal, Hannibal. It will fund many years of our own research.”

Hannibal grinned. “We shall strip them of their wealth and make them dependant upon us for their knowledge! Make this trade so that our coffers may grow and we may prosper!”

And thus it was that only two civilizations remained unknown to Carthage. With the spread of Carthaginian knowledge and culture through their superior sailing skills, Hannibal once more felt confident that his people would one day rule the world even with only five cities – five beacons of light in a world of darkness.

Carthage was beginning to make progress against India by 600 AD. The force lead by the Tusks of Justice, including the Black Guard and the Silver Hawks, as well as the Krondorian Lancers in detail behind them, came upon India’s flank by Lahore. The Tusks, the lead elemental, crashed into Lahore’s surprised defenders, The 9th Independent Spears. The field was left bloody with dead on both sides but the elite Tusks prevailed, forcing the 9th to retreat behind the defenses of the city itself. The citizens hastily assembled to form the 20th Defense Spears but it was to no avail. The Black Guard, the next element in the attack, slashed into the hastily assembled units and the inexperienced 20th, already demoralized but the route of the 9th, collapsed. The Black Guard swept into the city, razing the city and returning it to the swamp and jungle from which it was carved. Though the poor Indian coffers could offer no gold, the advancing Carthaginian units did seize upon two bands of workers that were immediately pressed into the service of Carthage. These, Hannibal knew, were almost better than any pittance of gold that might have been found. They were immediately enslaved and given the names of India01 and India02.

Simultaneously the cavalry formations on the western flank of India pressed towards Bangalore. The 121st Jungle Archers had moved to the west to cover the mountain approaches at the rear of the Carthaginian formations. Hannibal ordered that these lowly archers be ignored for the time.

On the warfront with Korea, two meager units appeared out of Ottoman lands – two regular archer units that were identified as the People’s 302nd Archers and the People’s 337th Archers. The entrenched cavalry watched them try to slip past their defenses and spent a good time laughing before dispatching The Dark Brotherhood and the Lions to dispatch them. The Dark Brotherhood stopped laughing as the blood remenents straggled back to camp, less than 20% of the strength surviving a bloody hail of arrows. The Lions, learning little from the experience of the Dark Brotherhood, charged archer formations as they tried to reform. Even so the 302nd archers, supported by covering fire from the 337th, inflicted severe damage upon the Lions before finally buckling. The Lions, their strength sapped, could not give chase and the 337th were left in control of the field. Unable to leave the field to the Koreans in this first engagement, the Veteran band of swords, Left Right Left (otherwise known as LRL) marched to the relief of the cavalry formations. No longer supported by the 302nd, the 337th was easily flanked by LRL. The archers began to flee and were cut down to a man for the damage inflicted on the attacking Carthaginian units.

Reconnaissance in 610 AD began to indentify the units in support of Bangalore. The 2nd and 11th Independent Spears held the city supported by the 73rd Horseman’s Cavalry. The 104th Hillsmen Archers had also taken up position on the hills to the east of the city, a strong position that threatened Civinator’s Chargers’ control of the Indian luxury of dyes.

The Battle began with the Regulators, a veteran band of ancient cavalry. The 2nd Independent Spears, well entrenched, nevertheless buckled under the onslaught of the Regulators. The victory was so demoralizing to the city defenders that the Regulators were given the banners of an elite unit after their first battle with an enemy of Carthage. The Paladins of the Silver Flame charged next, cutting through the 11th Spears and causing further chaos in Bangalore. Finally the Maggot Makers formed their ranks as opposites to the 73rd Horsemen’s Cavalry. The 73rd began to charge to support the collapsing infantry formation and this spurred the Maggot Makers into action. The battle was fierce. The 73rd fought hard to hold the field but the outcome had been decided by the quality of the units in the field. The Indian units fell back to their secondary positions but it was too late to hold the city. Worse yet for Gandhi, the four bands of workers that had been sent to Bangalore to dig the defenses for the Indian army were also overran when Bangalore collapsed. The advancing units impressed these into immediate service as slaves, India03-06. No gold was captured.

The final attack that sealed the fate of India’s army was Civinator’s Charge against he 104th Hillsmen Archers. The battle was a flawless example of Carthaginian cavalry and the 104th Archers ceased to exist without any noticeable loss to the Chargers.

The sudden appearance of the 89th Horseman’s Cavalry shocked the Carthaginian units. The ‘safe’ Paladins, resting from their struggle against the 11th Independent Spears and put on duty to cover the newly captured slave bands found themselves fighting for their lives against the savage 89th Horsemen. The battle was fierce and quickly became a battle for armored men slashing at each other at close quarters. Neither band could extricate themselves from the battle. In the end a small cadre of Paladins was all that remained, a bloodied band of men that had eared their status as ‘elite’.

The next Korean unit had appeared by 620 AD – the People’s 773rd Regular Spears. The spears moved astride the road that linked Carthage to the warfront, a daring move. The Cavaliers responded fiercely, ripping the light infantry formations apart. The heads of the commanders of the 773rd were sent back to Koreans.

In 640 AD POP’s Rangers boarded Kyoto’s Destruction along with The Pointy Stick and The Rock and the Hard Place aboard Glory of Seen Elephants the Third. They would begin their long journey to the eastern supercontinent to begin their rampage of terror.

At the same time, the many slaves of the Empire of Carthage began to make a road towards the dyes that formerly belonged to India – this would be Carthage’s fourth native luxury.

Carthage’s armies had also moved astride the road leading to Madras. The 26th and 51st Independent Spears were all India could spare to protect the city but it was a formidable defense. The spears were well entrenched in the hills of the city. Civinator’s Chargers* was selected as the lead element in the attack followed swiftly by the Regulators. The battle was nearly flawless. The lead elements of the Charges fell victim to carefully prepared pitfalls and lost some of its strength as horses were lamed. But that could not save the city. Madras would put to the sword with minimal losses, though the Chargers would need to remain in camp so as to await replacement horses.

At the same time, the forces lead by the Tusks had reassembled and were ready to advance. Marching in formation, the four elite units arrived outside of Dehli. Initial scouting revealed the elite and gleaming spears called the Spears of Doom. They were rumored to have been assembled from holy warriors from the Indian temple of the same name. It was quickly decided that the elite cavalry would cross the river before attempting and assault.

India’s fate was determined in 650 AD. The elite units of the Tusks of Justice were outside of Delhi from the east. With the destruction of Madras, the road to Delhi was now open to from the Northwest. The Krondorian Lancers were the first to cross the river. The foolish Gandhi had moved 137th Hillsmen Archers out of Delhi were they might have done some good. The Krondorian Lancers turned in formation and attacked the Spears of Doom. The spears lived up to their name, inflicting horrible losses on the elite Lancers. But in the end they were vanquished, leaving the city guarded only the hastily assembled 22nd Independent Spears and the staunch 1st Independent Spears. The Tusks made the next attack followed by the Black Guard. The attack went off with little trouble, the attacking units suffering only minor wounds. Delhi was razed, flames reaching into the sky. The remnants of the city formed into two new slave bands, India07 and 08. The Silver Hawks vanquished the now isolated 137th Hillsmen Archers. It was a flawless victory and the heads of their commanders was sent to Carthage to be posted upon the gates of Amsterdam.

The year 650 AD closed with satisfaction for Hannibal. The road to dyes was coming together with great speed.

Carthage was a world power though it was hard to believe that according to the F8 key. Hannibal was uncertain what an F8 was, but the priest assured him it was just a barometer for success. Carthage still had time – and the cunning – to dominate the world.

 

[clearmurky]

Where be me army!!!!

 

[Raliuven]

Where be me army!!!!

THe POP Elite Rangers are on route to be dropped on the Eastern Supercontinent in 760 AD where they will start causing some BIG damage to Carthage's neighbors. Carthage's advisors have indicated to Hannibal that it might be wise to hamstring the Sumerians, Hittites, Mayans and Americans so as to slow the tech pace (even further). Hannibal has decided not to use either of his armies on the mainland - his poor neighbors don't stand a chance on a shared landmass and Magnetism appears to be a very, very long way away!

 

[Raliuven]

Turn 181-190

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) [Shrub of Civinator, Kyoto’s Destruction]
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)
10. 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)
11. Do not build or capture the Great Library. Instead, self-research, trade, or pointy-stick research your advances. (Elephantium)

Actions (things to get done):

1. 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 Dogs, The Snakes, The Jaguars, The Pride, and The Elites]
2. This army is critical for the success of Hannibal's armed forces, and as such is too important to let just any Tom, Dick, or Harry join it. Do not fill the army with any of those three units. Instead, name the units being added to The Defenders: [Guardian, Protector, Sentinel, Warden] (Elephantium)
3. You may not research or gain knowledge of Rocketry until you have named Guerillas (or units that upgrade to Guerillas) as follows... (Sparthage/Prince of Persia):

Spoiler :

Delta Force, Spetsnaz, 1st Army Rangers, Night Stalkers, Black Tigers, Batalhão Tonelero, Snow Leopard Commandos, Black Wasps, Estonian Special Operations Force, Kommando Spezialkräfte, Garud Commandos, Quds Force, Sayeret, Gruppo di Intervento Speciale, Japanese Ground Self-Defense Unit, Grupo Aeromóvil de Fuerzas Especiales, Shree Yuddha Bhairav Battalion, Korps Commandotroepen, Korean People's Army Special Operations, Forsvarets Spesialkommando, Puma Special Operations, Operações Especiais, and Recces Brigade, TF 141

Orders Completed this Set:

1. Do not build or capture the Great Library. Instead, self-research, trade, or pointy-stick research your advances. (Elephantium)
2. . Name your second army The Defenders and fill it with the most advanced defensive units at time (no overriding) (CharcoalDioxide)

Spoiler :

The year 660 AD brought renewed vigor to Hannibal. Carthage was rampaging across the Indian core, destroying city after city. The road to Carthaginian dyes was nearly complete and Smilin’ Bob and New Crobuzun were still growing. The POP Elite Rangers were on their way to be dropped on the eastern supercontinent.

Hannibal gave little attention to the reports that 98th Horsemen’s Cavalry had appeared on the outskirts of the ruins of Delhi. It was a brave but foolish move for the Indian unit was surrounded by elite Carthaginian cavalry.

It was determined that the Knights of the White Mountain would eliminate the flanking 98th Horsemen. The battle was savage and the Knights were wounded beyond what was expected.

On the world stage, Hannibal was informed that William and the Dutch had finally learned the secrets of writing. In accordance with Hannibal’s trade advisory, The Byzantines were given Masonry for the sum of 36 pieces of gold – all they possessed in the world. At the same time, Sumeria had learned of Engineering but they would not give its knowledge for anything Carthage possessed.

Fortunately Hannibal was informed by his Science Advisor that Carthage had attained the knowledge of Monotheism by 670 AD. Equally fortunate for Carthage was that Sumeria had yet to spread its knowledge of Engineering to any of the other civilizations. That put Carthage in a powerful position indeed. Hannibal quickly summoned his Trade and Foreign Advisors. If only, Hannibal mused, the people would build a second wing to his cave to allow some of his advisors to maintain a permanent residence such things could be resolved with greater ease. But as the people had yet to give Hannibal a bedroom – he had been sleeping upon his throne for the last 4670 years, or a door for privacy, it seemed unlikely his people would respond to his new desires anytime soon.

“Great Hannibal, we have the opportunity to make a shrewd deal.” The Trade Advisor said with a feral grin. The Sumerians will, quite stupidly, give us their knowledge of Engineering for Monotheism and the Republic. They will also give us a paltry sum of 8 pieces of gold. But what is more important is that we may then use our new knowledge to gain Feudalism and every drop of gold belonging to the Mayans, Americans and Hittites! It shall be a slaughter of a completely different type.”

Hannibal much liked the sound of this. He authorized the initial trade and awaited word on the domino of trades that would follow. The trades were more difficult than was first thought. The best deal available to Carthage was through the Hittites – for Monotheism and Engineering and 65 pieces of gold they would release their knowledge of Feudalism. This deal Hannibal accepted. The Mayans would give only 89 gold for knowledge of either Monotheism or Engineering. Hannibal decided to give them neither. The Americans had just as little to offer. Hannibal ordered the next focus of research to be Theology.

By 680 AD the Ottomans were becoming annoying again. They had spread to many of their old city locations and now they were allowing the Koreans to use their roads on the attack. Two elements of the Korean army had appeared – the People’s 347th Archers and the People’s 310th Archers. Hannibal was not sure why they gave their units such ridiculous numbers – it was not possible that Korean had 300 hundred archery units. What was sure, however, was that these archer units needed to be removed from the field.

The Knights in White Satin (a very impractical battledress to Hannibal’s way of thinking) lead the charge against the arrogant Korean archers. The Koreans were set up in deep ranks of archers, so deep that it would not allow for retreat. It did, however, allow the 347th Archers to fire over the heads of the 310th Archers as the White Knights deployed for the charge. The formations were effective and the White Knights suffered over 60% casualties before breaking the People’s 310th Archers. To their credit the 310th held their ground almost to the last man. Exposed the 347th attempted to withdraw from the conflict but The Dark Brotherhood were ready for a rematch after their rough treatment at the hands of the People’s 337th Archers in 560 AD. This time the enemy, with no support, was easily ridden down by the Dark Brotherhood. After suffering minor wounds the veteran band was promoted to elite status. Then all units treated from Ottoman land to prepare for a new declaration of war.

With the Koreans dispatched Hannibal decided it was time to allow the Koreans peace so that the war could focused upon the Ottomans. The Koreans were given knowledge of Literature for all 67 pieces of their gold and peace was concluded. Hannibal further made a new pact with the Ottomans, giving them Currency for all 45 gold in their treasure and a tribute of 5 pieces of gold for the next 200 years. Hannibal did this with deceit in his heart for he never intended to collect all 100 pieces of tribute gold. But it would be sufficient, for now.

It was then that the Priests of Elephantium arrived at Hannibal’s cave. Hannibal welcomed them, full of pride at what Carthage had accomplished.

“Goodly Hannibal, you are indeed learning the lessons of the gods but there is more that must be done. If peace is allowed to take hold in this world then Carthage shall have a difficult time keeping its place of power. We must sow the seeds of destruction so that Carthage may remain strong. Henceforth, Carthage must be at war with at least one civilization.”

Hannibal was surprised by this command but smiled with savage joy. “Wise priests of Elephantium, I believe your commands and that of the priests of POP are in agreement. We shall spread destruction on the eastern supercontinent, but in the meantime we shall also finish our rivals here on our own continent. I have already ordered a ship chain to be developed so that we may invade Persia as well. The history of Carthage shall be littered with the dead of our rivals!”

“Make sure it is so, Hannibal. Now that we have knowledge of Feudalism we have the technology to make these barbarians suffer.” With no more words the honorable priests of Elephantium withdrew (through the open doorway since there was no door).

Hannibal marveled at the retreating priest. How he wished he had the wisdom of the gods! He had little time to contemplate this, however. His attention was demanded on the Indian Front. The city of Calcutta was the next target for Carthage’s rampaging forces. The 2nd & 11th Independent Spears had formed in the hills around the city in standard Indian deployment. The 151st Hillsmen Archers had taken up position to the west of the city, also in standard, and foolish, formation.

Civinator’s Chargers* once more took the lead. The battle was bloody and in the end, absent their great commander, the Chargers finally knew defeat. The 2nd Independent spears held their ground and punished their attackers. By the time the Chargers realized the danger it was too late. The few horsemen that managed to escape passed through the lines of the Regulators. The Chargers had effectively ceased to exist. The 2nd Independent Spears had proven their skills and bravery, attaining veteran status and the Title of Calcutta’s Guardians.

The Regulators could not allow this disgrace to stand upon the field. Their lines already formed they executed their planned attack against the 11th Independent Spears and ordered the Silver Hawks to follow them on the attack. The 11th shattered under the furious blows, their formations coming apart though at a cost to the Regulators who lost no less than half of their numbers. This left the flank of the now veteran Calcutta’s Guardians open to the Silver Hawks. The Guardians had already lost half of their strength in their defense of the city but they held firm, driving the Silver Hawks away from the city with little effort and few casualties. It was a disgrace to Carthage! Hannibal ordered all units towards what was now known as the black hole of Calcutta. The relief forces were lead by the Tusks.

In 690 AD the Trade Advisor and Foreign advisors were once more in Hannibal’s presence. The Foreign Advisor spoke first. “Great Lord, the Battle of Amsterdam has encountered strange purple borders drawn in the dirt and purple buoys in the water. After exploration they made contact with some fishermen that claim they are part of the nation of Portugal.”

“They wasted time drawing line upon the ground?” Hannibal inquired.

“Indeed.” The Trade Advisor confirmed.

“That sounds like a costly endeavor.” Hannibal mused.

“Indeed.” The Trade Advisor said again. “So much so that they have not learned the secrets of Literature or the Code of Laws. But it seems they have little need of his knowledge for they are a monarchy ruled by King Henry. “

“Can we take advantage of this situation?” Hannibal asked immeidatley.

“I don’t so.” The Trade Advisor reported. “They are poor people and cannot afford to pay but a pittance for anything we know. They have but 10 pieces of gold in their pitiful city coffers. It is hardly worth the effort.”

“This also means, Good Hannibal, that there is only one nation left that we have not met. From what we are told by the other civilizations, this is the French. Their food, it is said, is a luxury all in itself. We may stand to gain much by trading with them, if we can find them.”

At the opening of the 690 AD the reinforced Carthaginian army was facing Calcutta’s Guardians. These veteran spearmen had also been reinforced and it was rumored that the newly formed 4th Independent Spears had also been rushed to the city’s defense. India had decided to make its stand here. At the same time the 151st Hillsmen Archers had moved into the marshes to the Northeast of the main Carthaginian army.

The battle opened with the Knights of the Chalice striking across the river at the 151st Hillsmen Archers. The river forging cost the Knights a handful of men but it was little more than an inconvenience. The Indians were disheartened by the firm defeat of their archers. The Paladins of the Silver Flame gave the Guardians no chance to rally. The Guardian proved a hardened foe, spears gleaming from fixed positions around the city. A great cloud of dust was raised by the Paladins as they charged. A feint made an opening in the tightly packed infantry ranks and the Paladins dove into the breech. The fight was brutal and in the end the Paladins fought as heavy infantry, many of their mountains lay dead or lame on the hilly fields. By the end of the day they were encamped in Calcutta, enslaving the population and burning the city. These new slaves were to be called India09.

Not to be slowed, the Tusks drove the relief force onto the offense; coming upon Hyderabad with the missing 4th Independent Spears still encamped in the city. A worker band was also foolishly at work in the nearby forest. The Tusks rushed the city defenders as they scrambled behind barricades. The attack was perfectly coordinated by their leader of the Tusks of Justice, the wise leader Tusker. The route of the 4th was complete within less than an hour. So stunning was the speed of the Tusks’ movement and attack that Tusker was raised to the status of a Great Leader. Carthage now had two heroes!

Hannibal considered what to do with this new Great Leader. There was no short supply of suggestions but the one that greatest attention was that of the priest of CharcoalDioxide. Hannibal had no yet heard from these priests so he was eager to do so. The priest shuffled forward, lowering the hoods and glaring knowingly at Hannibal.

“Great Hannibal, the god CharcoalDioxide sends his commands through us, his loyal priests. It is his will – nay his divine command – that Tusker assemble a new army under the flag of Carthage. This army shall be called the Defenders and shall be stocked with Numidian Mercenaries.”

“Wise priests of CharcoalDioxide, I wish to obey the word of the gods but Carthage may only support one army at a time. We have not the cities or resources to support more than one at a time, or so my advisors insist.” Hannibal said, once more lamenting the restriction that the god pi4t had placed upon Carthage.

“As it stands now, yes, Great Hannibal. But there may be a solution.” The priests of CharcoalDioxide explained. “India desires peace at any price. The cowards Gandhi is willing to give us ever city remaining to India save the capital – Jaipur, Kolhapur, Chittagong, Hyderabad and all 16 pieces of gold in their treasury. You shall take this deal of peace and order Tusker to create the defenders at Hyderabad. Then, in accordance with the wishes of pi4t, these cities shall then be razed to the ground, each and every one.”

Hannibal found this suggestion to be fair indeed and was almost ready to order it so before the priests of Elephantium, wise and far gazing, appeared. “Good Hannibal, the ideas of CharcoalDioxide are fair and good, but Elephantium has also had a vision of this new army. It must be filled with hardened units baring the names of Guardian, Protector, Sentinel, and, if it should ever be possible for a forth unit to join the army, Warden.”

The priests of POP were also present and they spoke as well. “Good Hannibal, it would be wise to send this army away from our island as well. It shall be that the Defenders with but two initial units shall be sent to the Persian lands to cover our landing forces and to remove the disgusting Persia from this world. It must be so, Hannibal.”

This wisdom was also well received but Elephantium was not yet done. “Great Hannibal, do not forget that you must declare a new war before you conclude peace India. Pick your victim and make your declaration.”

Hannibal thought hard on this issue and new there could be only one choice. The despotic Spain was isolated, the perfect victim for a phony war. It would be short and it would not be long before Carthage could strike into and destroy the Ottomans and then finish the Koreans and Persian. By then the pillaging campaigns against the eastern supercontinent should be well under way.

Hannibal issued his orders. The Black Guard swooped in and captured the workers chopping the nearby forest. This band is enslaved and named India10. Hannibal sent this emissaries to the despot Isabella of Spain. It was to be war between Spain and Carthage!

Then Hannibal made his deal with India. Tusker immediately moved into Hyderabad and formed the Defenders.

Then, in accordance with the commands of pi4t, all cities surrendered by Gandhi were put to the torch, its citizens slain outright.

In 700 AD the appearance of Carthage changed, for a trade line to dyes had been secured. The people were so pleased with the new colors of their clothes that Hannibal was once more able to reduce in the amount of gold spent on luxuries for the people. This made sustaining a higher level of science more feasible.

The Carthaginian Cultural advisor next approached Hannibal in 720 AD with grave news. “Lord Hannibal, the Hittites have once more constructed a great wonder – the Great Library where they may store all of their knowledge. It is said that anything that is known, any technology that has been shared by more than one civilization, will end up recorded in that library. Essential this wonder permits the Hittites to avoid the harsh penalties of copyright infringement. It is very annoying and not at all honorable.”

“This seems a silly thing for the Hittites, are they not already very knowledgeable regarding the technologies of the world?” Hannibal said, shaking his head. These other civilizations would never cease to amaze him.

Bad news also reached Hannibal, the Glory of Seen Elephants the Third had been beset by pirates and nearly sunk with the POP Elite Rangers aboard. This would have been a disaster indeed.

The time had also come for Carthage to declare war upon the Ottomans once more. It would cost Carthage an amount of gold that was significant, but the Ottomans had to be swept away so that Korea could be handled. Eventually the Hittites would also need to be ‘removed’. The declaration was given and the war began anew.

The first victim was the newly reconstituted 103rd Osman’s Archers. The Knights of the Chalice had tracked them into the Jungle and it is doubtful that the 103rd even knew that war had been declared. The Knights, vastly better prepared, destroyed the 103rd Archers will little effort and only minor wounds.

With this minor annoyance resolved Hannibal ordered the destruction of Mugla, a new Ottoman city that had ‘sprung’ up across Carthage’s supply lines. The city was guarded by the elite Sultan’s 70th Spear regiment known as the Iron Thorns. The Black Hand was the first rank of cavalry to advance. The Hand fought valiantly, throwing themselves against rank of after rank of Ottoman spears. The contest was close, so close that so many of the Hand’s horses died that they were effectively reduced to a heavy infantry unit. For a moment it appeared that the battle would be won but at the last moment the Iron Thorns succeeded upon the field. Unable to withdraw, the Hand died to the last man. At that moment a great Ottoman leader was acclaimed, though reports were uncertain of the identity of this man.

The horrible news reached Hannibal and he ordered a day of mourning for all of Carthage. The Knight of Ni, next in the line of battle, charged down upon the savaged Iron Thorns. This time the attack was perfect and even the great Ottoman leader could not save the city. The Iron Thorns, along with their great leader, and Mugla were burned to the ground by the Knights of Ni. In addition, 2 pieces of gold were returned to Carthage as a small measure of payment for the gold that the Ottomans would now never pay Carthage.

In 730 AD the Defenders became on ‘official’ army as the Guardians joined the army. It would now make its way toward the Persian embarkation point.

The year 740 was a decisive year in the war between Carthage and the Ottomans. The massed Carthaginian army was outside three cities – the capital Istanbul guarded by only the 33rd and 52nd Sultan’s Auxiliary Spears, Salonika guarded by the 27th and 41st Sultan’s Auxiliary Spears and Ankara guarded by the 15th and 49th Sultan’s Auxiliary Spears. In addition, the 117th Osman’s Archers had moved to the forest to the north of Scourge of Amsterdam outside of Istanbul. This was a fatal error for Osman as the 117th would not be able to assist with the defense of the city.

The battle for Istanbul began with the Dark Brotherhood, their elite cavalrymen forming against the weak 33rd Auxiliary Spears, little more than citizens with weapons thrust into their hands. The results were preordained by the gods. The 33rd were routed into the city, confusing the ranks of the 52nd as they fled the field. The elite horsemen of the Foxes were next in the order of battle, following close on the victory of the Dark Brotherhood. The 52nd held firm but were overwhelmed by the horsemen. But in a rare display of leadership, Osman himself rallied the fleeing men and reforged the routed 33rd and 52nd into a last line of defenses while pulling even more citizens from their homes and pressing them into the fortifications around the city.

The Lions were next called upon to attack. The hasty charge of the Lions was easily beat back by Osman’s defense, routing the horsemen upon the field with his ragged band of spears. The cowardly Lions were slain as they tried to flee, for they were unable to withdraw because of the press of the Crimmerian Guard behind them. Finally the Crimmerian Guard prevailed over the defenders of Istanbul. Seeing the last lines buckling, Osman fled in despair from his capital as the approaching Carthaginian units destroyed the city and enslaved its people. Two bands were gathered, Ottoman03 and 04.

Finally the Knights of Ni charged the 117th Osman’s Archers as they huddled, trembling in the forest. The 117th was overrun with barely and arrow shot.

At Salonika the Krondorian Lancers could see that the 27th Auxiliary Spears were already demoralized by the news of their fallen capital. The Ottoman Empire was finished. Only the Ottomans refused to admit it. The Lancers suffered no casualties during the charge. The more sturdy 41st Auxiliary Spears braced for the attack as The Knight of the White Mountain completed the assault. Although the Knights suffered minor wounds, the outcome was the same – the 41st ceased to exist as a fighting unit and the few men that could escape scattered. The city lay open to the Knight and was burned to the ground.

Finally the Maggot Makers arrived outside of Ankara. The feeble 15th Sultan’s Auxiliary Spears were furiously digging trenches with they arrived. Without hesitation the Maggot Makers charged. Though the Maggot Makers succeeded in the charge it was hardly ‘successful’. Many of the Maggot Makers lay dead upon the field and it would be a long time before it could be reinforced into a band worthy of combat.

Ankara’s reprieve did not last long. In 750 AD the Tusks and the Black Guard arrived in on the outskirts of the city. The 49th Auxiliary Spears were all that remained to defend the city. The Black Guard took the lead position and charged the entrenched spears. The 49th were poorly prepared and were routed after only a brief clash. The Black Guard burned the city and enslaved what people could be found. Only enough people were spared the sword to form a single band of slaves – the Ottoman05. The Ottomans were now reduced to a single city, much like the Indians, though this time there was no reason for Carthage to show mercy. The Ottomans would be eliminated from the ranks of the nations of the world.

 

[Elephantium]

I hereby revoke Static Rules #2, #8, #9, #10, and #11.