I am your slave! :)

[Sparthage]

The Carthaginian Navy must rule the seas. A fleet of 10 warships (Galleys/Caravels allowed until Magnetism is discovered) must be constructed and then maintained until the game ends.

I plan on editing/adding to this order as newer units become available.

 

[Raliuven]

Turn 191-200

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

1. Play 5CC (5 city challenge) (pi4t)
2. Make at least 6 tiles between cities. (alzgamer)
3. 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.
4. Rename every unit you produce for the rest of the game.
5. 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.
6. Name all naval units after battle victories. (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 Jaguars, Phaedo's Pride, and The Elites]
2. 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

3. The Carthaginian Navy must rule the seas. A fleet of 10 warships (Galleys/Caravels allowed until Magnetism is discovered) must be constructed and then maintained until the game ends. (Sparthage)

Orders Completed this Set:

1. 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)
2. I hereby revoke Static Rules #2, #8, #9, #10, and #11. (Elephantium) Removed from Static Orders list. Hey, they all fit on one page again!

Spoiler :

The dawn of 760 AD would change the fate of Carthage forever. Both Kyoto’ Destruction and the Glory of Seen Elephants had successfully made the crossing to the eastern supercontinent and had deposited POP’s Elite Rangers outside of Sumeria.

Once the army was allowed to fully join, it would begin its progress into Sumeria and begin pillaging. Once sufficient damage had been inflicted the army would then move to the Hittites, then the Mayans and finally America. Then it would make is way back again.

The reports from the Ottoman Battlefront were promising. The Knights in White Satin were on the outskirts of Aydin were they encountered more hastily assembled spear formations. The Sultan’s 11th and 19th Spear regiment were rushing to the defense of the city. Hannibal gave them credit for their bravery in the face of the Carthaginian onslaught.

The Knights surveyed the terrain and determined that the defenses were weak enough for a breakthrough. With Aydin out of the way, the final city of Sinop would remain. Osman had escaped the battle of Istanbul, retreating with a handful of horsemen as the city burned. Hannibal would see the cowards brought to justice not only for the Carthaginians that had died punishing the Ottomans but also for their cruel humor regarding Hannibal’s mother. Now that the Hittites had contacted the Koreans these images of Hannibal’s mother had spread throughout all the nations of the world. Little did anyone know that this had sealed the fate of them all.

The Knight set their lances. A solemn group, the Knights said a prayer to the Carthaginian gods to deliver them and to show mercy on the souls of the men in the 11th Spears. Their prayers were answered, at least as far as their own deliverance. Only the gods know if they showed mercy on the Ottoman heathens. The Scourge of Amsterdam followed the Knights into battle, rushing the Sultan’s 19th Spears before they could close the gap but the Scourge was unable to exploit the Knight’s victory. The 19th had dug into their positions and with little apparent effort, brush off the Scourge. Peter and Peter was the only unit close enough to engage the 19th before they could bring up reinforcements. Though it cost them half of their strength, the brothers forced the 19th into a full retreat. Rather than following the 19th on its retreat to Sinop the brothers put Aydin to the torch, pausing only to collect 4 pieces of gold from the city’s treasury. The brothers rounded up what people they could and put them in chains, creating the Ottoman06 worker band.

The war against the Ottomans was going well indeed. In addition, Kyoto’s Destruction reported that the POP Elite Ranger had formed on the eastern supercontinent and was prepared to begin its offensive against the Sumerians. Accordingly Hannibal had the declaration of war delivered to the Sumerians at the tip of a sword. At the same time the false war with Spain came to an end with the payment of 20 pieces of Spanish gold.

In 780 AD POP’s Elite Rangers began to pillage the Sumerians with impunity for the Enkidu warriors where cowards that would not engage in battle. At the same time the Charge of Aabraxan reported that they had finally encountered the French. The French were once more a backwards people that did not even know Writing and had no knowledge of Polytheism. It was clear that the French would not be much of a problem for Carthage, at least not for some time.

France was given Writing for 15 pieces of gold – all they possessed. Hannibal hesitated at this deal but was convinced by the Trade advisor that this gold was sorely needed in the Carthaginian treasury.

By 800 AD things were going well with the Carthaginian wars. The going was slow against the Ottomans because they were mired in swap. But the advancing units would also be useful against the Koreans once the new war against them began – there was only 80 more years left to the treaty. Because of the strain upon the Carthaginian economy, several cities had been diverted to building wealth. A new deal with India freed some of Carthage’s productive capability. At the behest of his Trade advisor, Hannibal gave India knowledge of currency for 24 pieces of gold and tribute of 1 piece of gold for the next 200 years.

The dangerously low condition of the Carthaginian treasury required that a decision be made. Thus it was in 810 AD when the Domestic advisor snuck into Hannibal’s presence. Hannibal made a mental note to request a bell for the door . . . when he finally got a door!

“Great Hannibal, we must do something about the treasury. Our many military exploits are causing us to go bankrupt. We must do something to fix the treasury. I have reviewed the structures in our cities and I recommend we sell all the temples were we have a cathedral built. In addition, the granary in Amsterdam must be sold. It serves no further purpose.”

Hannibal thought of this and nodded. “This seems to be good advice. What benefits shall we receive?”

“These things will bring some money to the treasury in the short run and save us some gold over the long run.” The Domestic Advisory reassured Hannibal. “It may also help our image internationally, Hannibal.”

Hannibal arched an eyebrow. “How is that?”

“The Ottomans are at it again. They claim that the only reason that Amsterdam requires a granary is to feed your mother.”

So great was Hannibal’s anger that he refused to see the Ottoman envoy when he came begging for peace. Instead, the emissary was immediate put in chains and dumped into the harbor. There would be no peace with the Ottomans. They were to be destroyed.

By 820 AD the lead elements of the Carthaginian army was outside of Sinop. Osman cowering behind the walls of the city but he had used the time to build a new retreat – the city of Denizli. It did not matter; it would only prolong his disgrace. The hastily assembled Sultan’s 4th Spears were in defense of Sinop, organized by Osman himself. The Krondorian Lancers took the lead on the attack. The attack was nearly flawless. The 4th crumbled as they watched Osman flee in terror. A great cheer carried throughout the Carthaginian ranks and the leader of the Krondorian Lancers, Arutha, was lifted to the status of Carthage’s 3rd Great Leader.

Arutha would be sent back to Carthage to await some use, likely to build a cathedral in New Hannibalopolis.

The citizens of Sinop tried to forge a new line of spears. This unit was did not even have a standard as it fostered the bloodied and broken spears of the 4th, rushing to take up position. The Cavaliers rushed the position without mercy. Fighting for their homes, the people put up a better defense then the so-called ‘trained’ spears of the 4th. The Cavaliers were severely bloodied. But at the end of the day the city defenses collapsed and the Cavaliers captured a worker band and razed the city. The new slave band was given the name Ottoman07.

Though war was eminent with Korea, Hannibal was persuaded to give Korea knowledge of Currency for their entire treasury of 63 pieces of gold. This would help to alleviate the Carthaginian treasury.

Finally in 820 AD it was once more time for Carthage to ‘cull’ its neighbors. Word from the foreign advisor was that Xerxes was ‘annoyed’ with Hannibal and his upstart Carthaginians. Hannibal sent him a declaration of war with a ribbon atop. There was no more room for Xerxes as Hannibal’s ‘annoyed’ neighbor. Immediately the prepared Carthaginian Fleet set sail for Persia and dropped many units including The Defenders. They would be trapped on the island until Carthage learned of some technology to build large enough ships to transport such a large force all at once. This, Hannibal was told, could take a great deal of time. But conquering the Persians was also likely to take a great deal of time.

By 830 AD the first elements of the army had landed beside Sardis though it would take another 10 years to gather the army so that it could move beyond the mountains to begin Persia’s destruction.

The final battle with the Ottoman’s occurred in 840 AD. The Knights of Ni charged Osman’s pitiful defenses at Denizli. Osman’s personal bodyguards were in defense of the city. Though the bodyguard fought fiercely the battle was hopeless. Osman was captured trying to flee and was sent to Smilin’ Bob for final justice - he would spend the rest of his days washing the feet of Hannibal's mother. With this indignity the Ottoman ‘Empire’ was no more.

The war with the Ottomans over, Hannibal began to move his units into position for a swift attack on Korea. At the same time the Defenders had finally formed in Persia. The first battle was to be Sardis. POP’s Elite Rangers also reported that they had found the Sumerian source of iron and were preparing to disconnect it, destroying all of the roads leading from the mines.

Sad news reached Smilin’ Bob in 850 AD. The brave Crimmerian Hunt was lost at sea off the coast of Korea. The Koreans claimed there were no survivors though other nearby ships reported that men were pulled from the water. This was intolerable and Hannibal stuck the treaty with Korea to the wall with a dagger, vowing to avenge his imprisoned countrymen. Further reports from the captain of the Shrub of Civinator II indicated that a small naval battle occurred with a fleet of Persian galleys. The escort ships with the Shrub were slightly damaged but the Persian fleet was obliterated. Transport of units would proceed.

The opening battle with Persia was carried out by the bears, a veteran band of loyal horsemen long in the service of Carthage. The Persians offered a band of tightly packed spear formations that were assembled from the city populations and nearby area. Hannibal’s generals reported that these spears were not of any particular interest, they were much like the spears of the Japanese, Dutch and Ottoman armies. Sardis was protected by the Imperial Sardis 1st and 2nd Artesh Spears. The Bears destroyed the ‘Imperial’ spears as easily as any other. Next the Iron Lances, a band of newly formed cavalry made an attack. The assault was carried out with smooth precision and the bear’s long service was recognized by their training. The banners of an elite band were laid upon their commanders.

Thus the City of Sardis was the first victim of Carthage’s invasion.

The final piece of great news was the Carthage had gained the secrets of Theology. This was indeed good for no other civilization had learned this secret.

“Good Hannibal,” The Cultural Advisor called through the open doorway. “We must talk about the wonders we are building. It may be very difficult capture the Art of War, the Sistine Chapel and the Knights Templar. I suggest we immediately shift our current build on the Art of War to the Art of Decorating a Chapel Ceiling. This will allow our cathedrals to bring great joy to all our people without any need to expend gold on frivolous luxuries. It should also keep them happy against war weariness. This will likely mean that we will lose the Art of War, but hopefully we will be able to grab the Knights Templar if only to keep it from the Americans.”

Hannibal, unable to avoid listening to his cultural advisor because he could not close the door in her face, grumpily agreed that this was a good idea. The cost of maintaining the current barracks was minimal.

“And what of our new technology? Is it worthless?” Hannibal lamented.

“Not at all,” The Trade Advisor spoke from the meeting room. “We have contacted the other nations and it seems we can make several good deals. The Hittites will part with 63 pieces of gold and will make tribute in the amount of 22 pieces of gold every 10 years for the next 200 years. That is a total of 508 pieces of gold to our treasury or to our research.”

Hannibal grinned with greed but the Trade Advisor was not done. “In addition, America will give us their knowledge of Chivalry and all 21 pieces of gold for the knowledge. This will give us access to the Knights Templar, if we can beat them to the creation of their headquarters.”

“And there is always the possibility that it will have further trade value if we pay close attention to the development of international affairs.” The Foreign Advisor added. “These deals should allow us to accelerate our research and stay ahead of the others, opening further trade opportunities.”

First the deal with America was struck so that Carthage would have two technologies to trade to the Hittites if needed. The deal with the Hittites was then struck and Carthage was flush with Mursilis’ gold even though the Hittites would have learned the secrets of Theology in 10 short years from their great library. Of course they would also gain Chivalry but that could not be helped. Hannibal immediately ordered that research be accelerated so that education could be learned even faster than previously anticipated.

With Carthage’s new knowledge of Chivalry, Hannibal ordered the production of knights to replace their current stocks of horsemen. This would also serve to speed the demise of the Persians. In addition, the peace between Carthage and Korea was set to expire in but 30 short years. Already word was reaching Carthage that the Koreans were disdainful of Hannibal and often used unflattering idols of Hannibal’s mother (stolen from the wreckage of Ottoman cities) as a part of several amusing party games. It was all Hannibal could do to contain his anger and maintain Carthage’s international reputation.

Hannibal was looking forward to the developments of the next 100 years!

This is the eastern 'warfront' were POP's Elite Ranger are pillaging the Sumerians.

 

[Raliuven]

Turn 201-210

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

1. Play 5CC (5 city challenge) (pi4t)
2. Make at least 6 tiles between cities. (alzgamer)
3. 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.
4. Rename every unit you produce for the rest of the game.
5. 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.
6. Name all naval units after battle victories. (Elephantium) [Battle of Amsterdam, Charge of Aabraxan, The Crimmerian Hunt]
7. The Carthaginian Navy must rule the seas. A fleet of 10 warships (Galleys/Caravels allowed until Magnetism is discovered) must be constructed and then maintained until the game ends. (Sparthage)

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 Jaguars, , and The Elites]
2. 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. The Carthaginian Navy must rule the seas. A fleet of 10 warships (Galleys/Caravels allowed until Magnetism is discovered) must be constructed and then maintained until the game ends. (Sparthage)

I need to break this spoiler/story into two pieces this time.

Spoiler :

Hannibal was eager to continue expanding Carthage’s power even if he could not expand (by much) its borders. Each year boosted Hannibal’s confidence not only in his own prowess and the people that looked to him for leadership, but also in the wisdom of the gods that had set the people of Carthage upon such a fateful path. Never would it be said that Carthage had gone down without one hell of a fight.

It was with savage joy in his heart that the priests of Sparthage found him upon his throne. The priests of Sparthage held special sway over the people of Carthage for some unknown reason, even Hannibal felt a near brotherhood with the priesthood, though he could not say why.

“Wise and all-knowing Spannibal,” Hannibal addressed the head priest, “Carthage is honored to be the home of the great god Sparthage. What message is it that your god has for me and the people?”

Spannibal bowed to the leader of Carthage but did not defer to him, for it would not be proper for a priest of Sparthage to do so. “Great Hannibal, the powerful and omnipotent Sparthage is unhappy with the state of Carthage’s navy. Are not the Carthaginian people a magnificent seafaring race?”

“It is so, wise Spannibal.” Hannibal agreed with the priest.

“It does not seem so to Sparthage,” The priest said blandly. “Our land forces are feared around the world, but our enemies laugh at our navy. The landing of POP’s Elite Rangers was threatened by barbarians of all things – barbarians! And then Xerxes has the gall to attack our invasion fleet! This is unacceptable to Sparthage."

Hannibal could not disagree with this analysis. He had personally prayed to every Carthaginian god for the safe crossing of POP’s Elite Rangers. “What is it that you suggest, wise Spannibal?”

“Sparthage finds it necessary – in fact he demands! – that Carthage build its navy so that it rivals the might, and inspires the same fear as the Carthaginian army. To this end you are commanded to build and maintain no less than ten combat ready fleets at all times.”

Hannibal gave this consideration and thought it not so difficult to comply. Carthage already maintained a fleet of 9 ships – 7 galleys and 2 curraghs. The curraghs were slated to be scuttled soon as their usefulness had expired with the discovery of the French. Adding 3 galleys to Carthage’s fleet seemed a good thing. Eventually they would be replaced by Caravels, a ship that was superior to the galley or so the Scientific Advisor assured him. It would then be a long time before anything better was available.

“I assure you, priests of the great Sparthage, that the god’s will shall be done so long as I lead Carthage.” Hannibal vowed.

Thus reassured, the wise priests of Sparthage left Hannibal to his mechanizations. The Korean peace was set to expire in 30 years while the peace with India would last for another 40 years. They were also paying tribute, however, in the amount of 1 piece of gold every 10 years for the next 150 years. The war with Persia was going well indeed and Carthage was now producing knights. At the same time Hannibal ordered the training of a division of knights to be withheld while a new galley was constructed to fulfill, at least in a small measure, his promise to the priests of Sparthage.

In 860 AD POP’s Elite Rangers destroyed the iron mines of Sumeria, slaying all of the skilled miners and overseers, collapsing the entrances and breaking apart the road pavements. Next they attacked the city of Agade, killing two band of barbarous Enkidu Warriors and razing the city of Agade.

Unfortunately for the Sumerians an unlucky band of settlers was hiding behind the pitiful warriors. POP’s Elite Rangers then set about enslaving the unlucky Sumerian citizens of the city. By the end of the attack Carthage had gained three new slave bands, Sumeria01-03, though it was doubtful that they would remain in Carthage’s employ for long. The lack of transports made it likely that they would need to be slain so that Sumeria could not expatriate them.

When word of the great victory reached the cities of Carthage the people began a month long celebration for their triumphant armies. Hannibal soon heard a great chant rise outside his cave, the voices of his people demanding that he begin construction on a Heroic Epic to commemorate the battle and to influence other Carthaginian war leaders to ascend to greatness.

Hannibal thought this wise indeed and intended to do just that once the current wonder builds were completed.

At the same time the Demise of Karachi unloaded Aabraxan’s Honor Guard and The Black Hand II onto Persian soil. The Dark Knights and the Dogs joined the fleet on the Honor of Civinator though they would not be able to disembark until later.

The assault did not wait for these new units, however. The Iron Lances raced ahead of the Defenders and reached the outskirts of Gordium as it gathered its spears, the Imperial Gordium 1st, 2nd and 3rd Artesh Spears, a formidable force indeed. Unfortunately the Iron Lances were easily turned aside by the 1st Artesh Spears after a blood day of combat. The Pride entered the fray on the second day and were also savaged by the 2nd Gordium spears, though this time Carthage came away the victor. Finally the Defenders arrived. Unable to leave the field to the enemy, the ranks of Numindian Merecnaries advanced on the city. The 3rd spears bravely contested every inch of the earth trenches around the city but were easily routed by the powerful army of Carthage.

News of Carthage’s second victorious army sent the people of Carthage into a frenzy. Hannibal was nearly overwhelmed by the response and by the sudden appearance of his Advisors.

It was the Domestic Advisor that won over the others to shout “Great Hannibal, it would appear that our great war victory has caused our people to great heights of production and commerce! Our analysts are calling this a ‘golden age’ for out civilization.”

“This is wondrous indeed!” Hannibal cheered, greatly admiring the spirit of the Carthaginian people.

“That is not all, Hannibal!” The Cultural Advisor broke in. “Because of this fortuitous event we are able to great accelerate our research and also the creation of our wonders! It has become very possible that we will secure both the Sistine Chapel and the Knights Templar! Thereafter we may build or Heroic Epic and soon Universities to continue our great scientific pace!”

Hannibal slammed a hand down on the table with joy. “And our scientific research?”

“Our scientists act as if they have been inspired, Hannibal.” The Science Advisor reported. “Our pursuit of knowledge has nearly doubled. This should allow us to subjugate the other civilizations economically if we can take advantage of their ignorance.”

“What are the chances of this?” Hannibal inquired.

“Fairly good, Great Hannibal.” The Trade Advisor said confidently. “We are gold that India is willing to give us 10 pieces of gold and the tribute of 3 gold every 10 years for the next 200 years for knowledge of the Republic. This is a good deal for us. In addition, Korea will give us their 50 pieces of gold for the same knowledge, though it will do them no good when they are dead in a few years. The remaining civilizations have but a pittance to offer us at the moment.”

Hannibal found the same to India to be wise but he decided to withhold the knowledge from Korea for a while yet. Perhaps they would come up with more money before the sale and the declaration of war.

Hannibal awaited news of POP’s Elite Rangers in Sumeria. Hannibal worried that the wounded formations might suffer attack by the Sumerians but he had no need to worry. The Sumerians were cowards and even wounded the powerful armies of Carthage made them slink away in fear. Instead of warriors they sent emissaries begging of peace but they were unwilling to give a single gold in tribute. Hannibal laughed and refused this out of hand.

At the same time more units poured into Persia and the newly landed ancient cavalry began their advance. The Defenders, not awaiting reinforcements, finished the attack on Gordium. the Imperial Gordium 1st Artesh Spears had been reinforced, their own numbers were restored. The Defenders ignored the strong defenses and flooded the field with iron tipped spears. The outcome could not be other than the destruction of Gordium and its imperial defenders.

The destruction of Gordium now gave the Carthaginian units room to maneuver where their powerful horse formations could overtake the slower Persian archers.

Good news continued to great Hannibal. In 880 AD the Cultural and Domestic Advisor proudly announced the completion of the Sistine Chapel by the Crayola Corporation.

With the completion of the Sistine Chapel, the great leader Arutha immediately took command of the build project in New Hannibalopolis, rushing to complete a cathedral so that the luxury tax could be reduced to a negligible amount.

880 AD was also a grand age for Carthage because it meant the end of Carthage’s peace treaty with Korea. Too long had they enslaved Carthaginian sailors and made jokes at Hannibal’s (and Hannibal’s Mother’s) expense. Hannibal demanded a meeting with Wang Kon without an intermediary. The two met in a small field beyond the borders of both civilizations – something not difficult to do considering Carthage’s limited reach (at least culturally). Hannibal’s ranks of cavalry stood a dozen ranks deep faced against the ‘People’s’ spears and archers. Wang Kon was indignant at the command to appear and was furious given this past relations with Carthage. It was this backdrop that Hannibal grinned as he handed Wang Kon a formal declaration of war and challenged the cowardly Wang Kon to personal combat to decide the fate of their two civilizations. The cowardly Wang Kon refused and fled to his battle lines.

It was just as well. Carthage required new slaves to complete its roadway to the east. The first order of business was to round up the bands of archers – little more than brigands – that Korea had dispersed to hunt barbarians.

The Tusks of Justice routed the first band of archers. Though veterans, the People’s 413th Archers with the informal standard of a white tiger. The Tusks butchered them but not without some loses. Next was the band of archers that called themselves the Stone Dragons – the People’s 311th Archers. The Maggot Makers made short work of the rabble of Stone Dragons. Faced with the stolid, grizzle charge of the Maggots, the Stone Dragons crumbled, fleeing into the jungle.

Hannibal’s devious plan was then executed. The Krondorian Lancers scouted the defenses of Pusan. The People’s 793rd Spears, the Veteran Wall of Tears, and the People’s 619th Regular Spears hadn’t the time to dig fortifications but the city was already well prepared. When the Carthaginian Cavalry appeared they faced rows of razor sharp Korean spears. The Lancers, ever brave, charged the spears, impaling themselves on a solid, well disciplined defenses. Only a handful of Koreans died, a negligible amount, when the survivors of the Lancers fled the field. This was a horrible start to Carthage’s military campaign. Next the Knights of the Chalice attempted the attack. The fighting was brutal and the Knights, fortified by their cups, pushed the 793rd out of their trenches with the shear press of their bodies. The final wave, the Knights of the White Mountain, drove hard against the city’s weakened defenses. It was a glorious victory earned by the blood of its companion units. Pusan, a large city with over 50,000 people was put to the torch.

The Knights angry for the many friends lost that day and were hard for their commanders to reign in. Not a single citizen was left alive after the purge. Hannibal was displeased that no slaves were captured but also understood the anger of his men.

The knights were so focused on the slaughter that Hannibal had to call off the attack on Kaesong so that the Paladins of the Silver Flame and the Scourge of Amsterdam could protect the weakened Lancers and Knights of the Chalice.

In a separate action the Cavaliers caught the People’s 292nd Spears. The spears, caught in the open fields, formed a square formation against the cavalry charge. Their ranks were thinned as a picketing line extended to allow the escape of the Korean settlers they were escorting. The formation was deadly and the Cavaliers were forced to retreat after inflicting only minor wounds on the spears. The nearby Knights in White Satin, hearing the horns of the Cavaliers blow a retreat, immediately turned and charged back to take the field. The hasty charge was nearly destroyed, leaving the Knights almost completely destroyed. In the end they managed to carry the day and capture the fleeing settlers, immediately shackling them and impressing them into two slave bands, Korea01 and 02.

The final attack was against the city of Manp’o. The elite Regulators faced the People’s 1012th Spears. It was an easy conquest as the defenders had barely gathered outside the city walls when the Regulator’s destroyed their lines, forcing the survivors to flee into the surrounding jungle. Manp’o, and all its citizens, was added to the pyre.

The Persian front was just as busy. The forces of Carthage were now facing three converging attacks. The Imperial 1st and 7th Archers as well as the Imperial Free 1st Artesh Spears that were also guarding a band of Persian settlers.

It was left to Aabraxan’s Honor Guard to sweep aside the 1st Artesh Spears and capture the first Persian slaves. The charge was nearly flawless, Aabraxan’s leadership ensuring the success of the battle. The settlers, though trying to flee, were quickly rounded up and pressed into two new slave bands, Persia01 and 02. Both the slaves and Aabraxan retreated to the cover of the healing Defenders.

The final battle of 880AD was against an Enkidu Warrior band protecting a Sumerian band of settlers. The warrior band was easily brushed aside and two new slave bands were formed from the foolish settlers that had walked across POP’s Elite Ranger’s path.

 

[Raliuven]

The Story continued . . .

Spoiler :

By 890AD Xerxes was already begging for peace and was willing to give away two of his cities to secure it – Ghulaman and Samaria. Unfortunately Hannibal was not in the mood for negotiations. The first Carthaginian knights had just been trained at Smilin’ Bob – the Knight of Fowers. This powerful unit was immediately diverted towards the Persian warfront.

For the Persians, they had bravely advanced two new units – the Imperial Free 7th Artesh Spears and the Imperial 8th Archers. These two bands had the responsibility of protecting a new band of Persian settlers. They were well entrenched on high mountains.

Hardly able to believe this audacity Hannibal decided to wait unit these units moved to a less fortified position. With the number of civilians being escorted the military units could not afford to wait long. Provisions would run thin and the mountains, hills and tundra were not inviting.

Instead Hannibal ordered the attack on Dariush Kabir. The Imperial Dariush 1st Artesh Spears held the city. The Black Hand II made the first charge against the city’s strong points. The attack was an immediate success with the 1st Spears routed so thoroughly that many of the Persian soldiers chose to brave the frigid waters to escape rather than face the onslaught. The Imperial Dariush 2nd Artesh Spears barely managed to move into position before the next wave struck – the Dark Knights. Once more the Persian forces, ill trained and equipped, chose the water over their attacker’s lances. The Dark Knights razed the city and received the laurels of an elite band for their efforts.

Flush with victory, Hannibal decided to push his luck, ordering Aabraxan’s Honor guard to attack the entrenched Imperial Free 7th Artesh Spears. Ever loyal, Aabraxan made the charge and executed it flawlessly – in fact the charge was so brilliant that the only wounds came from the defensive fire of the Imperial 8th Archers. Now without cover, the 8th Archers faced the attack of the stalwart Bears. Another near flawless attack netted Carthage two more slave bands – Persia03 and 04.

On the mainland, King’s Own Take Two and Peter, Peter Japanese Beater encountered two ragged bands of Korean Archers, the People’s 513th and 604th. These bands were lurking near Carthage’s supply of Dyes, perhaps planning to pillage the connecting roads that brought this wonderful luxury to Hannibal’s people. Neither band survived contact with the Carthaginian units – archers could not stand against a competent cavalry charge.

By 900 AD many Korean units had made an appearance. Four bands of archers emerged from the cover of the Jungle, struggling through the harsh terrain. Unfortunately for the raiders not a single one of them managed to slip past Hannibal’s pickets. None of these dishonorable raiding parties survived contact with Carthage’s cavalry.

At the battle front the People’s 755th Archers offered battle to the resting cavalry, pelting them with arrows as they tried to bind their wounds.This infuriated the Paladins of the Silver Flame. In the end there was not enough of the 755th Archers left to bother burying. The final battle was between the Black Guard and the People’s 201st Horse Regiment. This was to be a historic cavalry battle. The Leader of the Black Guard, the cunning Black Count of Ides split his cavalry forces into two bands, each band individually greater than the enemy. When the first band struck the blow was a hammer to the weakly trained 201st Regiment. Their courage quickly broke and as they turned to run found themselves cornered by the second half of the Black Guard. Caught in a pincer, the 201st was driven backwards into the cold, unforgiving bluffs overlooking the sea. Not a single man survived the brutal attack.

So fierce was the attack, so total and demoralizing the victory over the Koreans that the Black Count of Ides was lifted to the heights of Carthage’s 4th Great Leader.

The Black Count was immediately recalled to Carthage to take command of building Carthage’s first University at Caseyboy97’s Asylum.

The celebration was somewhat muted by the appearance of the main Persian army.
Xerxes had marshaled ten ranks of archers guarded by a single phalanx of spears. Hannibal wisely called a halt to the offensive, drawing up his own ranks to counter Xerxes forces. Unfortunately for Xerxes several of the archers bands were strung out as pickets – easy pickings for Carthaginian cavalry even though two of the three bands were comprised of veteran bowmen. Though all three pickets were annihilated the cavalry did not go unscathed. No losses were complete but the bears were routed into a retreat and would be unable to engage in combat until reinforcements arrived. Worse, a second Persian army was approaching – this one comprised of two more ranks of archers protected by its own phalanx. A band of warrior also accompanied the city, no doubt to forage for supplies for the main army.

In Korea a final band of brigands posing as archers were eliminated from their jungle lair. Yet more Korean archers appeared east of Pyongyang. The People’s 601st Archers were dispatched by the Scourge of Amsterdam with ease. The ill trained band fired so ineptly that not a single Carthaginian rider was wounded yet not a single Korean warrior escaped. So thorough was the victory that the banners of an elite unit were delivered to the Scourge. Soon the offensive in Korea would begin anew as many of the savaged units were nearly healed and prepared to move.

The year 920 AD proved difficult for Carthage in Persia. The main Persian army threatened to overwhelm the landing forces of Carthage. Hannibal continued to order his forces back, but this would be no route. Rather it would be a fighting retreat. The open move was made by the Defenders, striking into the Imperial Free 5th Artesh Spears, the main phalanx guarding the ranks of approaching archers. The move was dangerous but effective, removing the spear formation and leaving the archers, at least momentarily, vulnerable. Hannibal took deadly advantage of this weakness, destroying 3 ranks of Imperial archers matched against no Carthaginian units lost, though one was weakened and a second savaged. By the end of the retreat all of Carthage’s units had returned to the coast to entrench and await the first ranks of the newly trained knights from the mainland. Under the cover of the defenders, camped upon the high mountains, it was certain that no Persian unit would dare attack Hannibal’s healing army. To do so would be virtual suicide.

The war in Korea was progressing better. An elite band of Korean warriors emerged from the jungles like all the other raiders, no doubt seeking to disconnect the Carthaginian supply line. The elite horsemen of the Foxes clashed with the elite Dragons’ Fire. The struggled lasted all day and into the night where the Korean warriors wielded lit torches instead of clubs, thus giving their name. The battle left many dead on both sides but the Foxes prevailed in the end. It would be many years before they would once more be an effective fighting band, however.

A second raiding band, this time the veteran archers known as the People’s Justice, or the People 903rd Archers, was spied by the Maggot Maker’s outriders. In route to the Korean battle front, the Maggot Makers detoured t to eliminate the annoying Korean band. The battle was never in question, the vulnerable archers, without cover, were easily ridden down by the elite cavalry.

920 AD was also the year that Hannibal received news from his Science advisor. The Mayans had completed their study of Invention though they would not release the knowledge for anything acceptable to Hannibal. Hannibal did not worry too much. Soon Carthage would know the secrets of Education and that would give Carthage the leverage needed to buy Invention, if it was important enough to do so.

As Hannibal considered this news he was treated to the delightful squeals of his Cultural Advisor. His Military Advisor was not far behind and even he looked happy.

“Noble Hannibal, we have received news that our bid for the Headquarters of the Knights templar_x has been accepted! The great templar_x, the walking avatar of the god of the same name, has agreed to make his home in Carthage!” the Military Advisor said with great pride. “His mighty presence will draw mighty warriors into the service of Carthage! This is a great coup over the annoying Americans!”

Hannibal’s heart soared at these wonderful tidings. Nothing could stand before Carthage’s ranks of cavalry, knights and templars!

“We must redouble our efforts to rid ourselves of the Persians and Koreans so we may strike deep into the eastern supercontinent!”

The time for a new Korean offensive was at hand. Kaesong had to be taken to secure the Carthaginian supply line. The Scourge of Amsterdam was the first to answer the call. Without hesitation the cavalry charged the People’s 219th Spears, a regular example of Korean military organization. The spear were arrayed on the open field behind meager earthen trenches that were so laughable that the Scourge’s cavalry could merely walk across them without fear of lost mounts. As it turned out a few horses were lost in the attack, but it was very minor. The 219th spears buckled almost immediately. Kaesong burned as the scourge put the town to the sword and recovered a single thin gold piece from the city treasury.

Next in line for destruction was the formidable city of Pyongyang, a city of nearly a quarter million Korean civilians. Unfortunately the city was built at the foot of some rugged hills rather than upon them, leaving a nice long, level sloped approach to the city. The city was lightly defended by the People’s 303rd and 417th Spears. The decorated Black Guard rode at the front of the charge, brushing aside the 417th spears. Next in the order of battle were the Knights of Ni, fierce in the antlered helms. Their chants of “Ni!” nearly drove the 303rd to flee their positions without a fight though a few small, disciplined knots held at around the city and proved quite hard to dig out. By nightfall the city of Pyongyang burned, lighting the sky, a warning to all of Korea that their time upon the world was at an end. The Knights of Ni returned on piece of gold from the treasury and enslaving only the hardiest of people to serve as the Korean03 slave band.

In addition to this savage blow, Carthage had now robbed the Korean’s of their source of wine while flooding Hannibal’s dinner table with a wide variety of vintages. Wang Kon would have to go without.

The final insult was the attack of LRL against the People’s 477th Archers. Sword against bow, the outcome was obvious. The 477th was buried on the spot though LRL suffered slightly less than 50% casualties during the charge; Korean arrows finding fortuitous openings in Carthaginian mailed shirts.

In the east POP’s Elite Rangers assault the city of Der, guarded by only a lowly Enkidu Warrior. It was hardly even a battle.

In Persia the Carthaginian armies were healing and reinforcing. A naval battle erupted and a Persian fleet of galleys was sent to the bottom of the ocean while the Honor of Civinator suffered minor damages.

Also in 930 AD Hannibal relented and gave the secrets of Law to Spain for their entire treasury of 43 pieces of gold. The Science advisor also informed Hannibal that Invention had spread to the Hittites and the Americans.

The People’s 519th Archers attempted to waylay the Peanut Butter Brigade, moving along the mountains and firing volleys of steel tipped death in the Brigade’s encampment. It was a good plan, had it worked. Instead the clumsy Koreans were spotted moving into position and the encampment was held by only a token force. The true body of the Brigade had dismounted and snuck into the mountain passes. When the arrows fell they caught but a few unlucky cavalry men and some barbarians prisoners that were only being brought back to Dick’s Dock to be hung for hunting upon Hannibal’s Lake. The dismounted cavalry did not miss their mark, however. The light infantry fell upon the archers, winning handedly in a pitch battle.

In 940 AD POP’s Elite rangers prepared to sack the city of Der. This time he ordered the city captured, for his evil mind had devised an evil plot. Moving his army outside of the city, he ‘gifted’ the city to his frightened ally, Gandhi. The idea was that Gandhi would now have more gold per turn to offer Carthage while remaining vulnerable to Hannibal’s military might. In trade for the city, Gandhi offered to transport the 5 captured Sumerian slaves back to Amsterdam, a feat that Hannibal could not manage with his own shipping resources.

At the same time Hannibal ordered that the Battle of Amsterdam and the Charge of Aabraxan be scuttled off the coast of the Hittites. The captains and crews would return to command more powerful vessels. The small curraghs were only a drain on Carthage’s income now. But Hannibal was mindful of the orders of Sparthage and would not disband the ships until after replacements were constructed. This would ensure that Carthage’s fleet would not number less than ten ships at any time.

The war with Persia was renewed in 950 AD with Hannibal ordering an aggressive charge against main body of the Persian Army. It was time to take Xerxes out of the equation. Hannibal now had 3 full ranks of Knights, 5 ranks of ancient cavalry (many of which were elite), 2 patrols of horsemen, a line of swordsmen and a phalanx of Numindian Mercenaries. And, of course, the daunting Defenders. And while Hannibal’s army was concentrated in a small area, Xerxes had dispersed his army over a long front in an attempt to contain Carthage. But by defending everything he had left himself vulnerable everywhere.

Carthage’s untried knights began the attack. By the end of the day Persia had lost three of its imperial archers at little cost to Carthage. The main body of Hannibal’s attack advanced once more on Hamadan.

In Korea the war was unfolding. Carthage’s healed armies flooded the arrogant Wang Kon’s land. The first target was the vulnerable Hyangsan. Two Korean spear formations rushed to the city’s hilltop defenses. Both of the people’s spears were dispatched with little harm to the elite. By the end of the battle only the People’s 816th Archers remained to defend the city.

In a simultaneous attack The Regulators destroyed the People’s 599th Archers that were protecting a narrow mountain pass. The elite cavalry easily swept the archer from their position. The valley clear, the lead scouts of the Regulators began to scavenge for food and supplies. The camp of the 599th held meager fare and it Hannibal’s commanders began to think that Korea was having severe supply troubles. The truth was only clear the following day when the Regulators realized that they were on the outskirts of Seoul – the capital of Korea and the city containing Wang Kon’s palace.

The Regulators quickly called for reinforcements and the Knights of the White Mountain immediately joined them. The knights of the Chalice also made a quick advance and from the vantage point of a nearby mountain surveyed the land around the city. The entire core of Korea lay bare before Hannibal’s forces.

The entire world, it seemed, was at the mercy of Carthage!

 

[Abaddon]

Fantastic update

 

[Sparthage]

I really enjoyed that last update for some reason or another :mishief:...

Add the prefix "ICS" (Imperial Carthaginian Ship) to the beginning of every ship name, and add an identification number such as (DD-01) to the end of each ship based upon the following list:

Spoiler :

If the ship is a Curragh use the indentification code (CU-##)
If the ship is a Galley use the indentification code (G-##)
If the ship is a Caravel use the indentification code (CA-##)
If the ship is a Frigate use the indentification code (FR-##)
If the ship is a Galleon use the indentification code (GA-##)
If the ship is a Ironclad use the indentification code (IR-##)
If the ship is a Transport use the indentification code (TR-##)
If the ship is a Destroyer use the indentification code (DD-##)
If the ship is a Cruiser use the indentification code (CA-##)
If the ship is a Submarine use the indentification code (SS-##)
If the ship is a Carrier use the indentification code (CV-##)
If the ship is a Battleship use the indentification code (BB-##)
If the ship is a Nuclear Submarine use the indentification code (SSN-##)
If the ship is a AEGIS Cruiser use the indentification code (AG-##)

 

[Elephantium]

@Sparthage: I'd change "CR" to "CA" - that's what naval classifications have used for cruisers in the past 100 years.

AFAIK it went that way because of the split between light cruisers (CL) and heavy or armored cruisers (CA).

FG for Frigate would also fit.

 

[Sparthage]

Well, in my own games, I have classifications for the unique naval units:
DR - Dromon (Byzantium)
CA - Carrack (Portugal)
MW - Man-of-War (England)

So, I pretty much just copied and pasted my lists with those UUs being deleted. I'll change it anyways...

I've always used the FR for Frigates because I think it looks better than FG. I also usually change the Carrier designation from CV to CVN after the discovery of Nuclear Power.

edit: Change made.

 

[Elephantium]

Fair enough @ Carracks

Oh, I just noticed this one, too.

AGEIS Cruiser

I think it's spelled AEGIS

 

[clearmurky]

Yeah, it is AEGIS. Can't find what it stands for, though.

 

[Sparthage]

Agh! Stupid spelling errors!

@PoP: AEGIS Cruisers are called that in RL, because they carry Aegis Missile Systems. Aegis is a reference to the mythological shield of Athena.

 

[Raliuven]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone! I'm working on the next post and hopefully will have it up soon. I'll have to review the Carthaginian (or should I say Sparthaginian ) fleets so they can be properly named!

 

[clearmurky]

I know what the Aegis is. It is the shield which also has Medusa's head on it. The shield is actually Zeus', but Athena carries it, as her name is "Aegis-Bearer", so most people think it's hers.

 

[Sparthage]

@Raliuven: From an in-story perspective, the boats could be blessed and dedicated to the great god Sparthage (me).

@PoP: Let's not argue, but if she carries it, I would consider it hers.

 

[Elephantium]

Well, it depends on how pedantic you want to be

 

[Raliuven]

@Raliuven: From an in-story perspective, the boats could be blessed and dedicated to the great god Sparthage (me).

The Sparthaginian Navy to the all mighty Sparthage! I'm working on my next update, hopefully out in the next day or two. Spannibal may have a few things to say about how Hannibal is 'running' the navy.

Well, it depends on how pedantic you want to be

It is not often I have to look up a word. Nice.

 

[Raliuven]

Turn 211-220
**Again, in two parts**

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

1. Play 5CC (5 city challenge) (pi4t)
2. Make at least 6 tiles between cities. (alzgamer)
3. 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.
4. Rename every unit you produce for the rest of the game.
5. 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.
6. Name all naval units after battle victories. (Elephantium) []
7. The Carthaginian Navy must rule the seas. A fleet of 10 warships (Galleys/Caravels allowed until Magnetism is discovered) must be constructed and then maintained until the game ends. (Sparthage)
8. Add the prefix "ICS" (Imperial Carthaginian Ship) to the beginning of every ship name, and add an identification number such as (DD-01) to the end of each ship based upon the following list. (Sparthage)

Spoiler :

If the ship is a Curragh use the indentification code (CU-##)
If the ship is a Galley use the indentification code (G-##)
If the ship is a Caravel use the indentification code (CA-##)
If the ship is a Frigate use the indentification code (FR-##)
If the ship is a Galleon use the indentification code (GA-##)
If the ship is a Ironclad use the indentification code (IR-##)
If the ship is a Transport use the indentification code (TR-##)
If the ship is a Destroyer use the indentification code (DD-##)
If the ship is a Cruiser use the indentification code (CA-##)
If the ship is a Submarine use the indentification code (SS-##)
If the ship is a Carrier use the indentification code (CV-##)
If the ship is a Battleship use the indentification code (BB-##)
If the ship is a Nuclear Submarine use the indentification code (SSN-##)
If the ship is a AEGIS Cruiser use the indentification code (AG-##)

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 Jaguars, , and The Elites]
2. 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. Add the prefix "ICS" (Imperial Carthaginian Ship) to the beginning of every ship name, and add an identification number such as (DD-01) to the end of each ship based upon the following list. (Sparthage)
**Edit** Oops! Just realized I didn't add the ICS part to the ship names! I'll fix that when I get home tonight . . . well assuming the great god Sparthage does not strike me down first!

Turn Log - Part 1

Spoiler :

Carthage’s power only continued to grow by the grace and favor of the gods. By 960 AD the dual military campaigns of Hannibal were visiting defeat upon Carthage’s cowardly enemies. The few offensive units the Koreans were able to marshal continued to maneuver but could not find an opening in the ranks of cavalry for an effective offensive campaign. Likewise the Persian refused to engage the mighty Defenders. Carthage maintained the battle initiative.

The first order of business was to eliminate the Korean raiders still behind the advancing lines of battle. The People’s 801st Archers were eliminated by the Knights of Cold Steel before they could do damage. The People’s 613th Archers, the companions of the 801st were too far away for an immediate attack. They had climbed a high mountain to gain a wider field of view but this also made it impossible for them to support the 801st as it was destroyed.

Wang Kon was now facing a serious threat to his core. Carthage’s army was deep within Korean territory causing many Korean citizens to flee rather than work. Korea was not yet defeated, perhaps, but it was only a matter of time now.

The city of Hyangsan was the first target on Hannibal’s list. The Knights in White Satin made the first charge against the city. The People’s 202nd Horsemen Regiment was arrayed before the city, offering battle in an attempt to give the defenders of Hyangsan time to prepare and its people time to fortify the city walls and gather weapons to resist the invasion. Unfortunately the people had been forgotten by Wang Kon and whatever Korean gods to which they prayed. The attack was flawless and the White Knights were given he laurels of an elite band as the 202nd scattered and fled the field even with the assistance of the People’s 816th Archers. It was left to the Cavaliers to finish the attack and remove the 816th Archers. Once more the attack was nearly flawless and the 816th was dispersed into the fields. Victorious, the Cavaliers razed the city and collected a single piece of gold from the treasury to give as spoils to Hannibal. A city of over 50,000 was quickly reduced to a small band of slaves – those few whom did not possess any ill images or carvings of Hannibal’s mother.

With Hyangsan’s control of the surrounding area removed, the assault on Seoul could continue. Wang Kon took personal control of the city’s formidable defenses. Three spear formations were deeply entrenched around the city, The People’s 277th, 183rd and 555th Spears. In a massive offensive, the Knights of the White Mountain, the Regulators and the Knights of the Chalice rushed the city defenses, encircling the spear formations. The initial charge was met by a new experience – a battery of catapults began to lob rocks into the ranks of the Knights of the White Mountain, killing several. After the initial surprise of the Korean artillery the Carthaginian cavalry made quick work of the weak Korean spear formations. While they attempted to keep Wang Kon from escaping it proved impossible. As the city defenses crumbled the spears began a fighting retreat, breaking through the siege and allowing Wang Kon a handful of horsemen to escape. Seoul burned.

One piece of gold was added to Carthage’s treasury. The unfortunate population of Seoul were assembled into a single band of slaves, Korea05. Additionally the Korean battery of catapults were also captured.

On the Persia front the battle also progressed. Xerxes continued to shuffle his army, foolishly moving a rank of spears, the Imperial Free 5th Artesh Spears, away from the city of Hamadan. This was a fatal flaw in Xerxes’ strategy. All that remained standing between Hannibal’s armies and the 10,000 citizens of Hamadan were the Imperial Hamadan 1st and 2nd Spears. Hannibal ordered the newly trained knights into the lead positions.

The Knights of Flowers were the first to rush the spear phalanxes of Hamadan. The 1st evaporated under the attack. The 2nd wave of knights, the Knights of Heaven, a holy band of god fearing men, pressed the 2nd Spears back into the city, through the panicking civilian population until there was no where else for them to retreat but the sea. The attack took a horrible toll on the Knights of Heaven but by the end of a long struggle Hamadan was put to the torch.

With the city removed Hannibal found it easier to move unthreatened across the land. Xerxes’ scattered units – 4 ranks of archers, 2 phalanxes of spears and the forging band of warriors was still a formidable fighting force but their strength was scattered. Hannibal knew it was time for a decisive victory so that Carthage could advance on the Persian core.

The Dark Knights successful destroyed one rank of exposed archers but disaster struck when the Black Hand II made a downhill charge into the Imperial Free 11th Archers. Against all odds, the Persian archers poured death into the ranks of the Hand, felling men with deadly accuracy. By the end of the battle the Black Hand II were slain to a man. The faithful Bears finished the attack, avenging the Black Hand II and retrieving their standards. And though the standards would be returned to Carthage, they would not be taken up by another band again; they had accumulated the reputation of bad luck for the men that fought beneath them.

The Iron Lances finished off the 1st Phalanx of spears. The final band of knights commanded by a Captain by the name of Day followed the Iron Lances and eliminated a rank of archers. The man under Day’s command fought bravely, for they knew he was a hard commander. The men had come to call him the Hard Day. Naturally they then became the Hard Day’s Knights.

Finally, the Defenders destroyed the last phalanx of spears. Phaedo’s Pride made the final charge. Xerxes’ army effectively ceased to exist with the death of the last rank of archers.

In an unfortunate counter attack, the foraging band of warrior chanced upon the healing knights of Carthage and were slain, many of them as they lay wounded. This greatly angered Hannibal and he vowed that Xerxes would become his pool boy for the losses inflicted upon Carthage’s loyal warriors.

This unfortunate news was followed by more. The Cultural and Science Advisor entered Hannibal’s cave as he pondered the successes and failures of his military endeavors. The looks upon their faces were mixed. It was the happy Science Advisor that spoke first.

“Great Hannibal, we have learned how to learn!” The Science Advisor beamed with childish pride.

“Eh? How’s that work?” Hannibal muttered. “If we didn’t know how to learn until we just learned how, how did we learn to do that?”

“Well you see,” The Science Advisor began, his mood turning somber. “We did not know how to learn properly. Now that we have this secret we can build great universities across Carthage to teach these skills to the rest of our people. It will encourage them to become scientists and it will increase our beaker production.”

“Universities? This sounds good and just to me.” Hannibal agreed.

“It is a wise undertaking, Lord Hannibal.” The newly arrived Domestic Advisor confirmed. “I would suggest that all current builds not dedicated to wonders be change to building universities. This can be done in three of our cities.”

The Trade Advisor, also newly arrived, added, “Pious Hannibal, this is also good news for we can use our advanced knowledge to gain further advantage of our neighbors!”

The lone dissenting voice was that of the Cultural Advisor. “Lord Hannibal, with this knowledge of learning, our people are no longer interested in visiting the Temple of CommandoBob.”

“This is truly a shame.” Hannibal sympathized. “We must build a new wonder to be dedicated to CommandoBob. I will leave it up to your to decide what form this should take. If science is to be our new religion, perhaps we can build and Observatory to CommandoBob. Should we be so fortunate to gaze through the telescope, we might see the gods in all their glory, watching us from above.”

“This is an excellent idea, Lord Hannibal.” The Science Advisor said with a great deal of excitement. “To do this we must learn the secrets of Astrology! We can learn this in only 130 years if we pool all of our resources!”

Thus Carthage’s path was chosen.

The path against Korea was also chosen. In 970 AD Hannibal ordered his army on the mainland to split. Army Group A moved the south to raze the cities of Cheju, Paegem and Pyongong. Army Group B would continue east and destroy the new Korean capital of Namp’o and then press on against what cities remained.

Army Group A would consist of four ancient cavalry (The Krondorian Lancers*, The Black Guard*, Scourge of Amsterdam, Caseyboy97’s Cavalry), one line of swords (Left Right Left) and the newly captured Stone’s Throw (1st Catapult Battery).

Army Group B would consist of nine ancient cavalry (The Knights of the Chalice, Knight of the White Mountain, the Regulators, The Maggot Makers, The Knights in White Satin, The Cavaliers, The Dark Brotherhood, The Knights of Ni and The Paldins of the Silver Flame).

As new units arrived they would be assigned as needed. Units in route to the battle front included The Silver Hawks (ancient cavalry) and four bands of knighs (The Knights of Night, The Bloody Band, Cold Steel, the Knights of Fortune). Carthage’s brave horsemen would be assigned to patrolling the road network to ensure that it was not pillaged by the barbarian tribes that continued to spring up in such lawless times.

The current builds in Carthage included three universities, the Art of War and the Heroic Epic. The only new units that Carthage would produce for some time would be the ancient cavalry and crusaders being produced in Caseyboy97’s Asylum. Ancient Cavalry would be rounded to Korea. Crusaders would find their way to Persia to overthrow the god-king Xerxes for this failure to worship the Carthaginian gods.

The Krondorian Lancers were already at the doorstep of Cheju. The elite band easily overthrew the People’s 112th Spears.

In Persia the defenders overran the Imperial Free 8th Artesh Spears before advancing on Bactra. The Knight of Flowers finished the Imperial Free 1st Artesh Foraging Warriors. Phaedo’s Pride finished off the 2nd Foraging Warriors.

Xerxes’ army continued to advance in spite of its losses, however. He was already advancing three new ranks of archers and a new foraging band of warriors.

By 980 AD the attack in Persia was faltering. Xerxes had conjured, as though from thin air, yet another amassed army. Six new ranks of archers had appeared along with a phalanx of spears and another band of foraging warriors. Luckily a surprise attack by the Imperial Free 2nd Warriors had been routed by the Knights of Flowers. The 2nd Warriors had come upon the Knights while healing and binding their wounds. Fighting as dismounted heavy infantry, the Knights fought off the 2nd warriors though the struggled lasted all night and into the following day. By the end of the battle the few survivors had attained the recognition of an elite fighting force.

Luckily a new band of ancient cavalry, the Harding Knights had formed at Caseyboy97’s Asylum. Even better, the first army of crusaders had gathered under templar_x’s banner. These were the Right Hand of templar_x.

Both units were sent towards Persia to help stabilize the warfront.

Unfortunately the disposition of the Xerxes’ units forced Hannibal to withdraw from Persia yet again; the attack stalled once more. Hannibal decided that, upon the completion of the universities around Carthage, the next grouping of knights created would go to Persia to finish the war with Xerxes. Such losses and retreats could not be maintained indefinitely.

Once more the Carthaginian units would stage a fighting withdrawal. The Pride dashed through the Imperial 2nd Army 10th Archers. Their losses were moderate but the 10th Archers were overrun, trampled into the ground. Though some of the men escaped they did so only by dropping their bows. Without weapons they had ceased to be a military threat. The Bears attacked the 2nd Warriors. In another hotly contested battle, the 2nd quickly rallied around a small set of hills, forcing the Bears to attack up a steep incline. This was a wise move by the commander of the 2nd warriors. In the end the 2nd was allowed to surrender. The commanders were allowed to keep their axes as a show of respect but the remaining men were disarmed to remove them from any further combat.

The Korean campaign was proceeding far better. Hannibal chuckled over a few reports. Carthage’s Army Group A was outside of the city of Cheju – three bands of ancient cavalry with a forth on the way and the steel swords of LRL not far behind. And a catapult and a slave. The city was protected by the People’s 673rd Spears, a band that had been mashed together, frightened citizens with pointed sticks thrust into their hands. They would, in effect, be poking Carthage’s army with a stick. Nothing good ever came of poking something with a stick. The 673rd learned that the hard way from Caseyboy97’s Cavalry. The fight was not bloodless, the 673rd put up a better fight then some of the veteran bands that had been encountered in Korea. In the end, Cheju burned. To Hannibal’s great delight, two bands of workers that had been hastily building a trenches around the city were easily captured the victorious band. Yet another band was created from the remainder of the cities population; those not to weak or stubborn to serve their new masters. These would be the Korean06-08 slave workers. Unfortunately the city coffers were already empty, not doubt looted by the cowardly city officials of Wang Kon while the people were left to suffer.

It was only after the battle of Cheju that scouts reported that a herd of horses were located nearby. Sacking the city had deprived Korea of this vital resource! The People’s 132nd Archers had observed the battle of Cheju from a nearby hill. The poor tactical movements of the Korean unit had put it out of range to assist the beleaguered 673rd or to save the city as it burned, its population enslaved. With Cheju’s destroyed, Korean influence over the roadways was also shattered. First time Carthage used artillery on the filed. The engineers of the Stone’s Throw Battery loaded their massive war engines and fired upon the huddled but exposed 132nd Archers. Something must have gone wrong, however, because the massive stone fell harmlessly around the archers.

Hannibal could hear their laughter all the way in Smilin’ Bob.

Left Right Left was ordered into action against the 132nd Archers. The veteran band did not hesitate, charging the Archer’s elevated position. This was a costly mistake. Arrows found their mark all too well and before the men of Left Right Left were able to reach the top more than half of their numbers lay dead. More arrows fell and by the end of the day the veteran band of swordsmen lay dead around the 132nd Archers, their status as veteran well earned. Once more Hannibal could hear the laughter of Wang Kon.

Finally the Krondorian Lancers finished the attack. The 132nd archers were brave but the elite Lancers easily removed them from battle, charging down the higher mountain slopes and sweeping into the hills. The archers attempted to flee but there were too many Carthaginian horsemen for them to escape. None were spared the lance after their harsh treatment of LRL.

Meanwhile Army Group B advanced on the cit of Wonsan, a city renown for its fine gems. Five band of cavalry quickly covered the distance to Wonsan. So far was the march that a band of Korean workers were left exposed in the path of the Carthaginian army. The Paladins of the Silver Flame quickly pressed them into the service of Carthage. This became the Korean09 band of slaves.

At the same time, a band of pillaging Korean archers was caught outside the southern most boards of Carthage near one of its iron mines. Luckily the Knights of Fortune were close at hand and easily dispatched the brigands. Those few that escaped were quickly rounded up by the knights and hung; brigands deserving no better treatment.

Sad news reached Carthage while the people were still mourning the loss of LRL. The noble Galley Raze of Bengal had gone down at sea off the coast of Sumeria. With only Korean and Sumerian boats in the nearby waters, no survivors were reported.

By 990 AD the attack on Wonsan was ready to begin. Two bands of ‘regular’ People’s Spears – the 505th and the 739th were furiously digging trenches around the city after the loss of the Korean worker bands. Exhausted, the lifted their spears with tired arms as the Carthaginian onslaught began. Open grassland surrounded the small city and the defenders had no walls to hide behind, only their small earthen embankments. The Cavaliers charged over the open ground, easily covering the distance as the spear formations tried to form and protect the vulnerable city. As the Cavaliers charged the Koreans once more used massive engines of war against Carthage, throwing massive stones at the Cavaliers as they approached. While the stones did not kill any of the Cavaliers the veteran formations began to fall apart. By the time they reached the People’s 505th Spears they were scattered and their leadership collapsed. Rather than striking a massive blow they came in waves. They died in waves. Without a centralized command, the Cavaliers charged until no more men were left to press the attack. The Cavaliers were no more.

Outraged, the Knights of Ni charged to avenge their companions. Another bloody fight ensued and the knight suffered heavy losses. In the end, the Knights of Ni overran the 739th, turning the flank of the formation and leaving the 505th vulnerable for a coup de grace by the Dark Brotherhood. Wonsan burned. The only compensation for the death of the Cavaliers was the capture of the Korean catapult battery and a the formation of a new slave band, Korean10. The battery of catapults was given the name ‘Bring the Rain’.

Finally the Knights of the Chalice, freshly healed, chance upon a rouge band of Korean archers. Thinking they were deserts, and influenced by a quantity of alcohol, the commanders offered to the commanders of the band to defect to Carthage as mercenaries. When the archers slew the foolish envoys, the Knights charged recklessly. The battle against the People’s 699th Archers was quick and bloody – mostly for the Koreans. The job done, the knights moved to cover the captured 2nd Catapult Battery.

In Persia the battle had quieted as the armies on both sides rested, save for the Imperial 2nd Army 7th Archers which impaled themselves upon the well entrenched Dogs, a veteran band of numindian mercenaries. The Dogs escaped without a scratch though the 7th Archers were annihilated.

In the grand year of 1000 AD Hannibal received good news. The Heroic Epic to commemorate the accomplishments of POP’s Elite Rangers and the Defenders had been constructed in Caseyboy97’s Asylum – yet another monument of war for the people of Carthage to visit.

This great project completed, the Black Count of Idea immediate undertook the construction of a University at Caseyboy97’s Asylum. The people, already whipped into a frenzy by the good fortune (save a few losses) of Carthage and the bolstered by the wisdom of the gods, made haste on the university, assembling it much faster than the work bands of others. The University of Ides would open its doors before any others, though only by a few years.

The many battles being fought by Carthage were beginning to show promise.

Army Group A had advanced upon the city of Pyongsong – or New Pyongsong as Carthage had already razed a city of the same name once before. Perhaps the Korean people had already forgotten that tragedy? Hannibal chuckled. If so, then his warriors would remind them. The Scourge of Amsterdam was first into the fight, facing the hastily assembled and weak People’s Volunteer 97th Spear Regiment. Supported the People’s 188th Archers, the spear regiment managed to hold for a mere two hours, causing light wounds to the Scourge until the phalanx lost cohesion. The people threw down their spears and ran for the protection of the city. This left the People’s 307th Spear, a regular band of Korean spears, with an unprotected flank. The Black Guard attempted to take advantage of this situation but the 307th held firm, forcing the Black Guard from the field, more than 80% of their men left wounded and dying upon the ground. With this Army Group A was stalled. An incoming band of veteran knights were quickly routed to reinforce them. Army Group A only had two more objectives to capture.

Army Group B had much better success. The new Korean capital of Namp’o was besieged by Carthaginian Cavalry. The cowardly Wang Kon had assembled with all haste three band of ‘volunteer’ spear regiments to hold the city, the 931st, 810th, and 1021st. Meanwhile, two worker bands cowered in the mountains and gold mines to the west of the city. Hannibal ordered that the works be ignored for now – they could be enslaved later. The city was the priority.

The honor of the fist charge fell to the Knight in White Satin. Their opposing foe was the 1021st. The ‘volunteers’ brought honor to the people of Korea, for they bloodied the Knights in the exchange though the outcome was certain. The Silver Hawks pressed the 931st, a must weaker band of volunteers. The wavering spears caused few wounds to the Hawks before they too were dispersed. Finally the Maggot Maker made their silent and gruesome charge against the 810th. The 810th held their ground against the savage attack but, like their companions, fled under the press of the charge. Many were killed, hunted down over the course of the next few weeks. Namp’o was sacked and its people enslaved though Wang Kon himself had escaped again. Two bands of slaves were pressed into the service of Carthage, making Korean11-12 while the two captured worker bands became Korean13-14.

The war in Persia, though the advance had also stalled, was beginning to heat up again. The Iron Lances fell upon the Imperial 2nd Army 3rd Spears as they encamped upon the open tundra. The veteran spears put up an excellent fight but the were overrun in the end. This left the door open for the destruction of the remaining two lines of archers belonging to the Imperial 2nd Army. Hannibal ordered the attack without hesitation. Aabraxan’s Honor Guard slew the 5th Archers leaving the 7th archers for the Dark Knights. The Persian 2nd Army ceased to exist though rumors of a 3rd Imperial army had been head from the local populace. Even so, Hannibal ordered the bulk of his army to rest and heal so that a new attack on Xerxes could be planned.

 

[Raliuven]

Turn Log - Part 2

Spoiler :

In 1010 AD the University of Ides opened its doors to the people of Carthage. The people of Carthage were now the most learned people in the world and scientists were making many improvements. The Carthaginian army was also making improvements in the world.

Army Group A made a final push on Pyongsong. The Scourge of Amsterdam, though slightly wounded, circled the entrenched People’s 307th Spear, the same formation that had routed the renowned Black Guard. The People’s 188th Archers were firmly in place to assist the 307th Spears, firing a volley of deadly arrows into the Scourge as they charged. Hundreds of riders and horses were felled but that could not stop the elite band’s lances from finding their mark. The heavy hooves of the Scourge trampled the volunteer spears into dust. The valiant 188th Archers scattered into the cities, firing from roof tops as the Krondorian Lancers marched into the city. The archers, backs to the rising hills in the southwest finally surrendered. The lancers rounded up the few men available and set Pyongsong afire (again?), adding to the ranks of vanquished warriors from the 307th and 188th to form the Korean15. The only remaining objective for Army Group A was the destruction of Paegam, a small city set amongst a range of hills.

Army Group B gathered its forces while the Defenders allowed the Carthaginian forces to heal under its protection. The drive on Zohak would soon begin.

It was in a state of military bliss that the Science Advisor found Hannibal, for he was enjoying the news from the war front. Hannibal’s lack of a lock for his door . . . and a DOOR . . . that prevented him from hearing the Advisory’s entrance.

“Great Hannibal, we have unfortunate news. The Americans have learned the secrets of Education. Worse, now that they have this knowledge, the Hittites will soon learn it as well!”

Hannibal quickly summoned his Trade Advisor and invited them both to meet behind closed doors (for the conference room did have a door).

“Pious Hannibal, I have reviewed the trade deals available and two things occur to me. First, that the rather unintelligent Hittites are willing to TRADE for our knowledge of Education, even though their Great Library will given them access to this knowledge for free in but ten more years. Worse, with the spread of Education we may all build great centers of learning and this will even the playing field. We will once more be allowed to assert our Copyright laws and force the Hittites to pay for any further knowledge. This is a double insult to the less than intelligent Mursilis. Mursilis originally offered us only 5 pieces of gold for this information but we ‘suggested’ that Invention would also be needed and the foolish Hittites have agreed!”

“This is a great victory indeed!” Hannibal smiled. “But you said there were two things that came to your attention?”

“Indeed.” The Trade Advisor agreed. “Literature is finally becoming very widely known. It is time to sell this knowledge to those of the less fortunate civilizations as we can give some small monetary compensation.”

“What think you, Science Advisor?” Hannibal inquired.

“This seems fair to me, Hannibal.” The Advisor of Science agreed. “It will also give us a fall back for our construction of the Art of War. For if we have knowledge of Invention we may instead change this to the Workshop of Leonard, preserving our wonder build. Of course our main goal will be the creation of CommandoBob’s Observatory.”

Hannibal found these deals fair. The foolish Hittites received Education for knowledge of Invention and 5 pieces of gold. Portugal received Literature for 21 pieces of gold. France received the same for 19 pieces of gold.

By 1020 AD Carthage had built its second university in the city of New Hannibal. This, Hannibal was told, reduced the research time remaining for Astronomy from 60 years to a mere 50 years, good news indeed.

In route to the Korean warfront, the Bloody Band encountered a group of Hsung-Nu conscripts. Wang Kon’s lands were already falling into barbarism, something Hannibal had seen happen across the continent as the ‘civilized’ nations of the world perished under Carthaginian might. Really it made little difference to Hannibal. If anything the Barbarians tended to have even more money available for Carthage to pillage than the so-called ‘civilized’ nations.

The war in Korean had otherwise stalled. Carthaginian units healed and positioned themselves. The war in Persia, however, was once more active. Enough units had healed for the offensive to continue. Zohak was guarded by two elements of the Persian 2nd Army 3rd and 4th Spears. There were also rumors that more Persian archers were garrisoning the city but the reports were as yet unconfirmed.

Phaedo’s Pride was responsible for the initial assault. The 3rd and 4th Spears had formed into Phalanxes and moved outside the city proper to give battle. The 3rd was on the eastern flank and thus was closest to the Carthaginian force. The 3rd was a well trained band though they had received no better training than a regular band. Even so their spears held firm and the Phalanx held, forcing the Pride back, inflicting horrible losses. Next in the order of battle came the Knights of Flowers. The Elite band of knights was not to be denied. Where Phaedo’s pride had failed, the Knights succeeded. The success was so stunning that the 4th fled the battle. The reports of defending archers was apparently in error, or the units had fled in terror at the brutal massacre of the 3rd Spears. It did not matter. The end result was the total destruction of Zohak.

So stunning and brutal was the victory that an unguarded band of Persian settlers were seen in the distance.

It was unfortunate that the Carthaginian armies could not reach the pathetic would-be slaves. It was, however, good news for Hannibal. Carthage was once more on the initiative.

At the same time India had come up with 60 gold pieces in which to purchase knowledge of Construction. As Carthage was in dire need of income, Hannibal agreed to the sale. The Indians could, after all, be ravished once more by Carthage if needed.

It was not any of this, however that made Hannibal more amused than Mursilis’ messenger. In 1029 AD the Hittite ambassador sent word that he craved an audience with the great Carthaginian people. Hannibal, ever gracious, allowed the slimy man into his presence. Hannibal also invited his Foreign and Trade Advisors to the meeting.

“Hannibal of the poor Carthaginians, we bring you word from Mursilis. Our current trades with your people have causes the Hittites some discomfort.” The Hittite Ambassador reported. “We have agreed to pay you the some of 22 piece of gold every 10 years for the next 30 years but we are finding it difficult to make this payment.”

“This is true, Hannibal.” The Trade Advisor agreed. “The Hittites have paid us a great sum of money for our scientific knowledge. They have yet to make three of their payments. The other seventeen have been paid, however. On time and to the last gold.”

“What more needs to be said, then?” Hannibal asked of the Ambassador. “We have given you the required knowledge and you have yet to pay the bill. Why do you stand before me like a whining dog?”

“I stand before you with a message from Mursilis, miserly Hannibal.” The Ambassador said with great pomp. “We wish for Carthage to give us the sum of 39 pieces of gold so we can finish making the next three payments. Forgive us this debt so that we may remain friends, Great Hannibal.”

“And why would I wish to remain friends with someone has pitiful as Mursilis?” Hannibal inquired. “He cannot even afford to pay his bills?”

At this the foreign advisor leaned down to whisper in his ear. “The Hittites have cities on our continent, thrifty Hannibal. Last I spoke to the Military Advisor, our armies outnumber that of the Hittites – we certainly outnumber them on our island! Should they chose war, they will quickly regret it. The Koreans are folding quickly. It won’t be long before we get to the Hittite cities. And POP’s Elite Rangers are marching straight towards the Hittite lands.”

Hannibal nodded at this wise council and turned back to the Hittite Ambassador. “Pray tell, wretched soul, what will Mursilis do if I do not give him this charity?” At this Hannibal tugged on a small string beside his throne that, through a complex of strings and pulleys, none of which Hannibal understood, summoned guards from the warriors that were garrisoning Smilin’ Bob. All of this to summon a few guardsmen and they couldn’t hang a door?

“I have been directed to warn you that Mursilis is considering a Declaration of War, Hannibal. But a measly 39 pieces of gold can avert that.” The Ambassador said calmly. “We have many brigands that we could loose upon you.”

Hannibal watched as the guardsmen slipped through the open door, giving the Ambassador no indication that they were present. For once Hannibal considered that the lack of a door could be a good thing.

Hannibal leaned towards the Hittites Ambassador. “Listen to me, you disgusting worm. The Hittites may have many brigands to loose upon Carthage, but Carthage has armies that stand before its cities, its people and its gold. Your brigands will find it very difficult to ‘smite’ out veteran and elite units and our hardened armies. So crawl back to Mursilis before I have you fed to my mother.”

“It is my deepest regret, Great Hannibal,” The Ambassador said, “That I must then deliver the Hittite Declaration of War to Carthage. All over 39 pieces of gold.”

“No,” Hannibal said with great anger. “It is over the 66 pieces of gold that the Hittites have stolen from Carthage! You shall find that you will pay far, far more than 66 pieces of gold for your arrogance! You have made yourself a target for my anger and it will not be satiated until I am satisfied that our 66 pieces of gold have been repaid!”

With that Hannibal motioned for the guards to seize the Hittite Ambassador. The weasel shrieked as the guards subdued him. “You shall pay for your arrogance, Hannibal!”

“Thirty Nine pieces of gold for defense, not a penny for tribute.” Hannibal growled. “Take him to my mother to be added to her collection! He will need to do unit I have Mursilis.”

In 1030 AD Hannibal began to consider the demise of the Hittites. But not before word from the Persian front reached Hannibal. Osman’s Demise and its escort vessels where now gathering seaweed at the bottom of the ocean courtesy of Xerxes. Worse, a small flotilla of Hittites galleys were now outside Amsterdam, baring down on Carthage’s capital.

Before Hannibal could consider his next move the Priests of Sparthage appeared once more, looking much vexed. “Great Hannibal, the recent sinking of Osman’s Demise had reduced Carthage’s navy to an unacceptable level. Sparthage orders you to begin the immediate construction of more ships!”

“Of course, wise Spannibal. It shall be so!” Hannibal agreed. “Is that all?”

“No, disobedient Hannibal.” Spannibal snapped. “Sparthage remains unhappy with the Carthaginian navy. Its luck has been poor as of late. This is because the sailors have no faith in their ships and they do not believe the gods walk with them as they do with the army. This must change immediately. Henceforth, there shall be a priest of Sparthage aboard ever vessel that sails. This priest shall be the ship’s spiritual leader, shall bless every meal and hold a bingo competition every Tuesday night.”

Hannibal could do nothing but agree to this triad of demands from the holy men. But they were not done. “Further, Hannibal, the fleet has low morale. This is because, though the ships have good names, they lack a true sense of a navy. Henceforth – and for all current vessels – the ships of Carthage shall bare the following designations.

Spoiler :

If the ship is a Curragh use the identification code (CU-##)
If the ship is a Galley use the identification code (G-##)
If the ship is a Caravel use the identification code (CA-##)
If the ship is a Frigate use the identification code (FR-##)
If the ship is a Galleon use the identification code (GA-##)
If the ship is a Ironclad use the identification code (IR-##)
If the ship is a Transport use the identification code (TR-##)
If the ship is a Destroyer use the identification code (DD-##)
If the ship is a Cruiser use the identification code (CA-##)
If the ship is a Submarine use the identification code (SS-##)
If the ship is a Carrier use the identification code (CV-##)
If the ship is a Battleship use the identification code (BB-##)
If the ship is a Nuclear Submarine use the identification code (SSN-##)
If the ship is a AEGIS Cruiser use the identification code (AG-##)

This the priests of Sparthage shall see to immediately. And, finally, there shall be a shrine built on every ship to Sparthage and the flag of Sparthage shall fly just below that of Carthage itself.”

Hannibal’s head was spinning. Even if he were inclined to disagree with the priest of Sparthage his mind could not have formed the words. The throne room was still rotating as the priests slipped out of the palace. In truth he wished them the best of luck. The Carthaginian navy was weak but it was a matter of material, not men. How could any naval battle be decisive with such flimsy ships? Hannibal gave a might prayer to Sparthage that his priests could get the navy into shape.

The first test of Carthage’s new naval power the priests of Sparthage commanded the Honor of Civinator G-04 to attack the lurking Hittite fleet near Amsterdam. Unfortunately the battle did not end well. The Honor of Civinator was lost in the battle with all but a few escort vessels. The sailors made their way back to Amsterdam but the fleet was lost. Next into battle was the shrub of Civinator II G-05. This time the battle ended in a glorious victory as the entire Hittite flotilla was sent to the depth with all hands aboard. None survived the frigid waters of the Bay of Amsterdam. Finally, the Massacre of Bangalore G-03 was ordered to make the crossing into Persian water to avenge Osman’s Demise, which had been given the designation of G-09 for the historical records. The battle was successful but G-03 and its supporting flotilla were severely damaged. It would need to make port for repairs or scuttling.

Even as Hannibal parsed through the reports of the naval battles more messengers arrived with tidings from Persia. The Persian 2nd army was destroyed but Xerxes did not waver. Persia did not have enough units immediately on hand to form a 3rd army. Units were being thrown at Carthage virtually as they were trained. The Imperial Free 1st & 7th Artesh Archers were advancing. Hannibal was thankful for the reasonable way that Xerxes identified his units as opposed to the ridiculous numbering of Wang Kon. In addition, the Imperial Free 1st Artesh Spears had advanced to accompany the wandering pack of Persian settlers that were roaming the battlefield – a very silly thing to do indeed! Hannibal did not worry himself over the ‘tactics’ of Xerxes. Carthage’s tactics were proving more than sufficient at the moment.

First the archers had to be defeated so that the open field remained in the hands of Carthage. A new band of Ancient Cavalry had only just disembarked from Osman’s Demise G-09 before its demise. These new knight were led by a man named Harding; thus the band was known as the Harding Knights (cough, cough) These new cavalrymen were the first rushed to battle. The 7th Archers were at the forefront of the Persian advance and gallantly (or foolishly) met the Harding Knights head on. The 7th Archers were led by one of Xerxes’ regional commanders, the Imperial Governor Johnson. Thus they were known as the Governor’s men, or simply the Governors. The 1st Archers were nominally under the control of the Central Imperial government, and were informally known as the Central Archers, or just Central.

Thus the battle was described. The battle opened with Central taking a shot at the Harding Knights. The arrows fell from the sky like rain, threatening everything but the armored knights. Johnson’s Governors stepped to the front and began to fire into their ranks but at the end the score was 3-1 with the Governors cut to shreds. The dread Governor Johnson fled the battle, narrowly escaping capture by the aggravated Harding Knights.

The matter with the 7th Archers (the Governors) concluded, Aabraxan’s Honor Guard casted the 1st Archers (Central) from the field, slaying all but a handful of the archer band. The Honor Guard, however, did not get off as light as the Harding Knights, for the 7th fought fiercely. It would be a long time before Aabraxan could lead his men into battle again.

Next the Knights of Flowers advanced on the ill-fated Imperial Free 1st Artesh Spears. Even at a glance it was clear that the Persian settlers were destined to become slaves of Carthage. The fight was hotly contested, the 1st Spears trying to draw the knights away from the settlers. The Phalanx held firm against every charge, shuffling to protect the Persian citizens. By the end of the fight the Knights were afoot for many of their steeds had been slain upon Persian spears. Fighting mainly has heavy infantry, the Knights finally broke threw the ring of spears. The 1st Spears, without aid or relief, finally surrendered. So brave had they fought that Hannibal allowed the commanders to retire from the field with their remaining men so long as all weapons were left on the ground. This they did and the 1st was allowed to keep their banners and return to Xerxes, defeated. The citizens of Persia were not no so lucky. The ‘settlers’ were quickly rounded up into two bands of slaves, Persia05-06.

The Dark Knights quickly moved to cover the wounded Knights as the Defenders advanced into the unknown. The Persians had wisely removed all signs as to where the roads led. But as the Defenders and their escorts pushed back the fog, they were rewarded with the greats of all discovers. After scavenging the surrounding land for food, the beset farmers admitted that before the Defenders lay nothing less then the Persian capital city, Persepolis.

The city was smaller than Hannibal would have suspected but it was well guarded by the Imperial Persepolis 1st and 2nd Artesh Spears, both veteran bands. In addition, the Imperial Persepolis 1st Artesh Archers were nearby for support.

Hannibal knew that if the capital of Persia fell, all of Persia would fall with it, for Xerxes would never survive such a savage blow.

Upon the mainland Army Group A was advancing on its final objective. In addition, the two reinforcing band of knights – The Bloody Band and Cold Steel were ‘attached’ to Army Group A with a new objective – destroy the Hittite city of Karatepe.

Army Group B advanced on Ulsan, Wang Kon’s new capital city. Before they could approach, however, it was necessary to destroy the The People’s 205th Archers, also known was the Jungle Rats. The Knights of the White Mountain took this honor. The Jungle Rats put up a fierce fight, wounding the Knights, but then they melted into the Jungle background, leaving many of their own dead in the tangled mess outside Ulsan. The Dark Brotherhood and the Regulators immediate moved to cover the wounded knights. The remaining elements of Army Group B were also close at hand; the Knights in White Satin and The Silver Hawks were encamped not far away. The remainder would soon follow.

The year 1030 AD was also the year that Hannibal learned that one door closing left room for a new door to open. India, little more than a protectorate of Carthage itself, was willing to surrender 14 gold and 1 gold every year for the next 200 years or, in treasury speak, 10 gold for the next 20 budgeting cycle (a cycle of course being 10 years each). Hannibal readily agreed to this deal.

Additional trades were also possible – William of the Dutch had formed a new band of workers for his pitiful civilization. William was willing to sell this band of loyal workers to Carthage as slaves for knowledge of Mathematics. Hannibal chuckled and made it so. These became the Dutch06 slave band.

Battle reports from 1040 were scare for the Korean warfront. Both Army Groups were forming for their attacks. The only place with any action was in Persia were Carthage was poised to strike a mortal blow against Xerxes. Persepolis lay bare before the lances of Carthage.

Day’s Knights were the first to assault the city. Xerxes had foolishly built the city upon the flat plains in the shadow of a mountain rich with gold. Though economically strong, the city was like an egg lay bare for cracking. The 1st and 2nd Spears were well entrenched but without a wall, palisades or even earthen barriers they were so much fodder. The 2nd folded under the press of Day’s Knights, routing into the city, leaving the 1st vulnerable. The Pride attempted to exploit the sudden opening, rushing into the gap, lances piercing the veteran spears. The route was complete. The remnants of the spear formations rushed back into the city and the day probably would have ended with Persepolis save for the actions and personal bravery of Xerxes. Seeing the city defenses breached, Xerxes led his personal bodyguard forward to rally the spears. The Pride tried to enter the city but the once routed spears began to fight street to street. Persia would not give up Persepolis until the city was reduced to ash.

Hannibal was willing to meet this challenge. Feeling the city ready to collapse, Hannibal ordered the Defenders to take the city. The Defenders stormed the city, the army engulfing every street, every building, leaving no room for anything but the death of the Persians. Xerxes would not yield. The battle raged for several days until nothing of the city remained but the slain and smoldering ruins. Persepolis had been erased from the face of the world.

The close of 1050AD witnessed the fall of Korea’s new capital, Ulsan. The Knights in White Satin took the lead against Wang Kon’s personal guards, the Ivory Spears. Hemmed in by the swamp to the east and jungle in every other direction, there was no way for the Ivory Spears to maneuver. The Phalanx bristled spears forward but the Knights probed once and then skirted the defenses, driving hard into the flank. The Phalanx collapsed. The People’s 1055th and 1223rd Volunteer People’s Spears were all the remained. Fighting for hearth and home, they put up more of a fight than Wang Kon’s personal guards. The Paladins of the Silver Flame took more than 50% causalities routing the 1055th while The Dark Brotherhood suffered not a scratch against the 1223rd – valorous to the end, they could to keep heart as Wang Kon fled for Paegam, his new palace in exile.

Ulsan was lost. Even worse for the Korean nations, four precious bands of workers were captured as the city collapsed. Yet a fifth band was forged from the remnants of the city’s population. These became Korean16-20.

A little baffled by Wang Kon’s choice for a new capital, Hannibal had a good chuckle. Army Group A was already on the outskirts of Paegam.

Hannibal decided to rest for a moment and reflect. Carthage now stood at war with four civilizations of the thirteen that remained. Of the nine remaining civilizations, two were satellites of Carthage’s political influence. Of the thirteen remaining rivals only four were somewhat competitive with Carthage’s scientific power and none matched the might of Hannibal’s armies. But, as Sparthage had indicated, Carthage had to boost the strength of its navy. Without these great ships, Carthage could not spread to the eastern super continent to finish the war of conquest.

These things would be the focus of the next ten years and beyond. Hannibal had but 1000 years left to live to understand the ‘plan’ the gods had for Carthage.

 

[Raliuven]

Turn 221-230
Again in two parts - 10 turns creates a lot of notes now!

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

1. Play 5CC (5 city challenge) (pi4t)
2. Make at least 6 tiles between cities. (alzgamer)
3. 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.
4. Rename every unit you produce for the rest of the game.
5. 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.
6. Name all naval units after battle victories. (Elephantium) []
7. The Carthaginian Navy must rule the seas. A fleet of 10 warships (Galleys/Caravels allowed until Magnetism is discovered) must be constructed and then maintained until the game ends. (Sparthage)
8. Add the prefix "ICS" (Imperial Carthaginian Ship) to the beginning of every ship name, and add an identification number such as (DD-01) to the end of each ship based upon the following list. (Sparthage)

Spoiler :

If the ship is a Curragh use the indentification code (CU-##)
If the ship is a Galley use the indentification code (G-##)
If the ship is a Caravel use the indentification code (CA-##)
If the ship is a Frigate use the indentification code (FR-##)
If the ship is a Galleon use the indentification code (GA-##)
If the ship is a Ironclad use the indentification code (IR-##)
If the ship is a Transport use the indentification code (TR-##)
If the ship is a Destroyer use the indentification code (DD-##)
If the ship is a Cruiser use the indentification code (CA-##)
If the ship is a Submarine use the indentification code (SS-##)
If the ship is a Carrier use the indentification code (CV-##)
If the ship is a Battleship use the indentification code (BB-##)
If the ship is a Nuclear Submarine use the indentification code (SSN-##)
If the ship is a AEGIS Cruiser use the indentification code (AG-##)

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 Jaguars, , and The Elites]
2. 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.

Spoiler :

1060 AD was mostly used for the positioning of troops. In Persia Hannibal finally felt confident enough in the invasion to split his strike force, sending one group after the new Persian capital, Pasargadae while a second pushed on to Arbela. In addition, the Right Hand of templar_x had finally landed on the island. This would be the end of Persian glory.

On the main land Army Group A made the initial assault on Wang Kon’s new capital, Paegam. The assault began with the support of the 1st Catapult Battery. The Engineers of Stone’s Throw loaded the massive stone onto the catapult and loosed the load towards the hilltop city and the cowering People’s Volunteer 992nd & 777th Spears. And . . . it missed again.

If anything, the newly fallen rock would make the charge against the city harder not easier.

Disregarding the failure of the artillery, the commander of the Knights of Night ordered the charge. Reports form survivors of Paegam indicate that Wang Kon wept as the Carthaginian forces swept down upon his new capital; his throne had arrived less than 10 years prior. Unfortunately the charge broke upon the tips of the 777th Spears and the Knights were forced to retreat, the survivors breaking for the cover of their nearby allies. The Scourge of Amsterdam, unable to allow such a defeat, charged against the supporting 992nd Spears. This time the battle was carried by the elite cavalrymen; the 992nd formations shattered, the survivors fleeing behind the 777th battle lines. Immediately Caseyboy97’s Cavalry rushed onto the field but it was too late to engage in battle. Instead they cleared the dead from the battlefield and assisted the wounded.

By 1070 AD Hannibal received dire news. All of the advisors gathered to tell Hannibal that the golden age of Carthage had come to an end.

The ride could not last forever.

“Because of the sudden . . . um . . . readjustment . . . we will not learn Astronomy for another 10 years, Great Hannibal.” The Science Advisor apologized.

“But our prebuild for CommandoBob’s Observatory will take another thirty years to complete, so we are still doing well.” The Domestic Advisor added calmly. “Carthage is still the superpower of the world.”

“Indeed, Hannibal.” The Military Advisor interjected. “We received reports that Xerxes attempted to go on the offensive. The Imperial Arbela 1st Artesh Archers attacked the Dark Knights, inflicting serious wounds before dying to a counteroffensive. We estimate that we still have sufficient forces to destroy Arbela, however. In addition, Xerxes new capital of Pasargadae should fall to the Defenders and its escorts. That will all but destroy Persia’s Industrial might. We will need to send some units to ‘clean up’ Bactra and then our armies can finish eliminating the weak cities of southern Persia.”

“Excellent.” Hannibal grinned. “Persia shall be crushed under our heel and then we may turn our attention back to the Eastern Supercontinent! Have we any news of good trades?”

“I’m afraid not,” The Trade Advisor said. “Everyone is broke. There is no money for any trades and no new technologies to swap.”

“Korea and the Hittites?”

“Korea is all but dead. Army Group A is converging on Paegam and we suspect it may fall within the next few days. It will take our forces some time to reach Inch’on through the Jungle. That will leave Taejon as the last sanctuary of Wang Kon. The Knights of Army Group A are converging on Karatepe and it may also fall soon. That will leave three Hittite Cities on our island – Ivriz, Alalah, and Kanesh. All will be easy pray for our armies. Once they are disposed, it will be time to begin transporting our glorious armies across the sea to East.”

The meeting soon broke up and each advisor left to attend their duties - every one of them focused on one main goal – the increased power and glory of Carthage.

The reports from Army Group A came first. Cold Steel had already scouted the forest shrouded Karatepe. Two formations of spears had been identified, both of regular composition. These were the 32nd and 44th 3Ax Formations. While the organization of the Hittite armies were a little strange, Carthage’s Military Advisors had decoded the Hittite Military designations as follows:

Spoiler :

Chariots: HCh
Swords: Bd
Spears: 4Ax (veterans), 3Ax (Regulars)
Archers: 2Ps

Cold Steel ravaged the 44th 3Ax Formation but the victory had taken its toll. The powerful knights would need reinforcements before engaging the next enemy. The Cold Steel survivors streamed to the north even as the Bloody Band moved into position for the next assault.

In addition, the promised bands of Hittite Brigands were seen near several of Carthage’s slave bands that were busy laying roads throughout the empire. The Knights of the Chalice and Knights of Fortune eliminated the brigands, hanging those that surrendered and slaughtering the remainder.

Carthage’s 1st Battery of Catapults once more loaded massive stones into the cradle. The commanders of the Stone’s Throw had spent much time drilling their men and learning the lay of the land. When the bombardment of Paegam began it was with great enthusiasm.

It ended with a whimper. Hannibal reviewed the reports and was very glad that Carthage was not paying for the upkeep of these useless units. By the time that Caseyboy97’s Cavalry were in place the shattered remains of the People’s Volunteer 992nd & 777th Spears had reformed into the 1315th Spears under the direct command of Wang Kon. Once more the solid lines of spear held. The fury of the fight the cavalry commands become confused. The retreat never formed properly. Only a few survivors straggled out of the spear pits. Worse, the People’s 110th Spears had rushed into the city defenses. Wang Kon was canabalizing the city’s population for more defenders.

Carthage was ready to make the big – and final – push into Persia. Carthage had slit its forces into two Army Groups here as well – Army Group East and Army Group West.

Army Group West began its assault on Arbela. The city was defended by two phalanxes of spears: The Imperial Arbela 1st & 2nd Artesh Spears. The phalanxes had deployed before the city, anchoring their flanks to the coast on the west and the rocky hills to the east. The horsemen of Army Group West had no choice but to strike directly through the formations. The elite Iron Lances demanded the honor of the first attack. The crafty leader of the band was Old Man Iron, a commander of many difficult campaigns. His men loved him greatly and the victory of the Iron Lances over the 1st Spears exemplified why. Old Man Iron lined his men up at the gap between the 1st and 2nd Spears, charging directly towards the gap in the Phalanxes. As the groups bristled, the cavalrymen began a serious of oblique moves that positioned them towards the 2nd Spears. Confident that the attack lay with their comrades, the 1st Spear shifted to meet the charge they believed was still long off – either that of the Bears or, more likely, the Harding Knights.

At the last possible moment, Old Man Iron changed the direction of the attack, the cavalry racing across the front of the 2nd Spear’s phalanx, just out of reach. The phalanx, tightly packed to repel the charge, could not take advantage of the exposed flank of the Iron Lances. Furthermore, the sudden confusion and movement only convinced the 1st Spears all the more that the battle had been joined. When the Iron Lances drove into the gap between the phalanxes and struck the 1st Spears in the flank instead, the route was horrible and complete. Unable to fall back because of the sea to their bank, the 1st Spears were savaged, dying to the last man, either upon a lance or drown in the sea.

So impressive was the charge that all the fighting men of Carthage hailed the victory of the lances and their great leader, Old Man Iron. Carthage had its fourth great leader!

So stunned were the 2nd Spears that they fled the field as the Harding Knights charged. A handful of spears remained but offered only token resistance. The men threw down their spears and surrendered. As the gods of Carthage prescribed, Arbela was reduced to rubble. The remaining men of The Imperial Arbela 2nd Artesh Spears and the survivors of the ravaged city were pressed into slaver and given the name Persia07-08.

Given the stunning victory, the Bears broke away from Army Group West and struck at the Imperial Free 11th Artesh Archers that had taken up the guard of another band of Persian Settlers. This attack proved flawless. Word of the destruction of Arbela had deflated the men of the 11th Archers and, like the 2nd Spears, the men surrendered their weapons for fair treatment. This was granted to the men of the 11th Archers as it was to the Persian settlers. Life as Carthaginian slaves would be better than life as citizens of Persia. Two new bands of slaves were formed – Persia09-10.

Flush with the victory of their comrades, it was time for Army Group East to stage their assault on Pasargadae. Day led the attack against the Imperial Pasargadae 1st & 2nd Artesh Spears. The 2nd Spears held their ground well but the concentrated attack of Day’s Knights overwhelmed the defenders. The Pride followed the attack, making a run for the city. The 1st Spears made a half-hearted attempt to thwart the attack but the battle was already over. Xerxes tried to rally the men but it was too late. Pasargadae was already burning.

The chaos of the Pasargadae’s destruction was Xerxes blessing, allowing him to sail from the destroyed city as Carthaginian warriors enslaved more Persian citizens. By the end of the night two more slave bands had formed, Persia11-12.

The final insult to Xerxes’ army was the destruction of the Imperial Free 9th Artesh Spears by the Defenders, though it was not much of a defeat. The 9th Spears immediate surrendered and the Defenders were unscathed.

Persia was all but finished.

 

[Raliuven]

Turn 221-230
Part 2

Spoiler :

As 1080 AD dawned the Defenders once more moved into action. The Imperial Free 3rd Artesh Spears appeared accompanying yet another band of (less than intelligent) Persian Settlers. The 3rd proved a more honorable band, inflicting minor wounds upon the Defenders before being overrun. The settlers attempted to flee but the Cathaginian army closed around them. Chains were placed upon Persia13-14. The Bears also overran a scavenging band of Persian warriors in a rather uneventful conflict.

The new Persian slaves were routed towards the coast under heavy escort while the Army Groups joined upon the gold rich mountain – the mountain that had once been source of great wealth for Persepolis. Here they would camp and heal, destroying any new Persian cities that formed.

1080 AD was important, however, for a far bigger reason. The Science Advisor hurried into Hannibal presence. “Great Hannibal, we have learned the secrets of Astrology! The only ones that may any hope of coming close to our knowledge are the foolish Americans and the hopeless Hittites. The Americans have 13 cities, but they are small and not very impressive. The Hittites are pitiful – they could not even afford to pay their bills and we will inflict further damage upon them as POP’s Elite Rangers have just this very year crossed into their lands.”

“What is it that you are suggesting?” Hannibal asked.

“Just this, Great Hannibal.” The Science Advisor said. “We should allow Amsterdam to complete the Art of War. This we may dedicate to Civinator, the first our great leaders. Then we convert the pre-build in Caseboy97’s Asylum. Copernicus may then plan to build CommandoBob’s Conservatory there. The Americans will like build the Workshop of Leonardo, but this is of no interest to us. We cannot afford to complete even minor upgrades of our units and we have access production – we will simply train and build new units as obsolete units are either disbanded or destroyed in combat.”

Hannibal liked this advice. And ordered it so. There was only one thing left to discuss. “What secrets shall Carthage learn next? May be begin to build weapons that can harness explosive energy to blast death into the ranks of our enemies?”

“No great Hannibal. It would be wise to allow other civilizations to research such things, for we now have the leverage to trade for such things. No, what we need are banks so that Bob and Betty from Account Temps may multiple our money with shady accounting practices, as you asked them do so many long years ago. The secrets of banking are what we need, Hannibal.”

And thus it was that Carthage began to research the secrets of banking. Unfortunately, without its golden age, this knowledge would take a very long time to learn. The scientists were projecting a date of completion sometime around 1285AD. Two hundred years. But only if Carthage could find new sources of funding to maintain their research. It seemed that barbarian camps were becoming more and more rare.

Army Group A was finally ready to destroys Paegam. Once more the great engines of war began their bombardment. For the first time the heavy rocks fell directly into the trenches dug by the awaiting spear lines!

The People’s 1315th Spears were wounded by the falling debris and were in disarray. This left the People’s 110th Spears to hold the line while they reorganized. The Krondorian Lancers did not intend to give them that chance. The 110th crumbled under the flashing hooves of the renown lancers. The Black Guard capitalized on the disorganization of the 1315th Spears and the destruction of the 110th and pushed into the city. The 1315th was a makeshift unit and its coordination was poor and lacking true leadership, for Wang Kon had once more hopped a boat to escape capture. The1315th was outflanked and surrounded. The men and women put down their spears. Two worker bands were discovered working in the fortifications and they readily surrendered as well. Paegam was put to the torch.

All told three new worker band were assembled, Korea21-23.

Army Group A finished its assigned tasks when the Bloody Band overran the 32nd 3Ax Formation of spearmen, burning Karatepe to the ground.

This was the first Hittite city destroyed by Carthage. The Fall of Karatepe would be added to the list of ships. Already Carthage was constructing its first Caravel at Smilin’ Bob. Unfortunately there was no gold in the coffers of the city. Hannibal was still looking for his 66 pieces of gold.

It was now up to Army Group B to complete its tasks, though elements of Army Group A would soon be on the way to receive them. Three elements of cavalry were already arrayed outside the city of Inch’on after a long journey through the jungle. The city was held by the People’s 697th and 532nd Spears. It was decided that the Knights of Ni, still lacking the banners of an elite unit, would begin the battle. Once more Korean artillery bombarded a Carthaginian unit but, like Hannibal had come to suspect, the daunting engines of war failed to do any significant damage. Meanwhile the Knights of Ni savaged the 532nd Spears, suffering only minor wounds in trade. The hard work done, the Silver Hawks made the next charge, the Regulators riding in close support.

Once more Wang Kon surprised the attackers. The People’s 119th Archers had been concealed by the dense spear formations and launched a volley of deadly arrows in the Hawks. Even with this success the 697th Spears, comprised mostly of ‘volunteers’ did not know which way to turn as the Carthaginian cavalry covered the field. Lacking a solid commander, the 697th instead chose to ‘turn’ to fleeing. This was devastating for Inch’on for it left the 119th Archer vulnerable to a cavalry charge. Without Hesitation the Regulators swooped into the city, taking the fighting from street to street, routing out every last element of resistance. Two additional bands of workers were caught by the cavalry pickets and pressed into service with the slaves gathered from the ruins of Inch’on. These were Korea24-26. Carthage also captured the Korean Catapults. These would form the 3rd Catapult Battery Hit’n’Miss.

Finally the traveling Knights of Fortune, while in route to join Army Group B encountered a band of rouge Korean archers. The band was unidentified and thus the Knights treated them as brigands, running down those that would not stand and fight to be hung until dead, dead, dead.

In 1100 AD Hannibal received more news, some good, some bad. The good news was the Carthage had finished the construction of Civinator’s Art of War(Mongering) in Amsterdam!

This would save Carthage a fair amount of money and the Domestic Advisor immediately insisted that all of the barracks be sold in Carthage, for Civinator had accepted a position of retirement to become commandant of the new school of performing arts (of warmongering). All of Carthage’s military minds, from the greatest commanders to the common soldier would train and learn under the watchful eye and instructions of Civinator. This brought 50 pieces of gold into the treasury of Carthage.

The bad, however, was that Carthage had been at war for so long that the people had begun to grumble. Though Carthage had been mostly successful; the people were growing tired of the endless conflict with Korea, Persia and Sumeria. Hannibal had to give them new luxuries to help them forget about their dissatisfaction but Hannibal knew he had to do something to address these new problems.

First Hannibal ordered the final assault upon Korea. The Knights of the White Mountain faced the elite bodyguard of Wang Kon, the Dancing Tigers. The battle was fierce but the Knights were in their element. Attacking from the high mountains onto the hilly terrain, their banners streamed in the air. The Dancing Tigers were pushed aside as if they did not exist. All that remained were the People’s 27th Spears. Wang Kon stood with the band, spear in hand. The Knights in White Satin had the honor of capturing Wang Kon. Death would have been too good. The cowardly leader was shipped back to Carthage to join the harem of Hannibal’s Mother. With the fall of the city, Korea was no more.

A final band of slaves, Korea27 was formed from the slaves. With the destruction of Korea, the people of Carthage were once again happy and scientific research could resume.

On the Easter Supercontinent (ESC) POP’s Elite Rangers came upon the first Hittite city of Ankuwa. The army quickly pillaged the Hittite’s source of spices before they noticed two bands of workers still toiling in the field.

Never one to pass up the Gift of Slaves, the Rangers seized the workers. As luck would have it, the ICS Kyoto’s Destruction G-01 was already waiting off the coast. The slaves were quickly loaded and ICS G-01 began its trip back to Carthage. It would disembark the slaves and then bring more units to the ESC so that the conquest could begin properly! The new slaves were named Hittite01-02.

In 1110 AD the priests of Sparthage had returned to Hannibal. This time the report was fair indeed. “Hannibal, under the care of the Sparthage, the first Carthaginian Caravel has been put to sea. It has been given the name ICS Curse of the Black Hand CA-01 to honor the many men that have died under that banner. We shall see if the Black Hand is a curse at sea as well, though I suspect you shall find that it is a good and mighty ship.”

In Persia the Carthaginian forces had made good progress against Xerxes. Nearly the entire area around Bactra, the new Persian Capital, had been razed. Xerxes wisely sent and envoy to Hannibal’s men begging for peace. For the honor of living just a little longer the Persians were willing to give Carthage all of its cities except for Bactra; six cities in total. At the same time the Sumerians craved peace and were offering the city of Cuello. That would make seven cities atop the five that Carthage already possessed.

“Great Hannibal, our victorious armies have made it possible for us to do great damage against the ESC.” The Military Advisor recommended. “Let us make these peace deals for a paltry amount of time. When we have seized their city the people will be overjoyed and we can have Bob from Account Temps fudge the numbers so we may support yet a third army from Old Man Iron. This army we can transport to the ESC to begin pillaging our enemies!”

Hannibal thought on this. “Can we be assured that this new army will reach the ESC? I remember with great trepidation the journey of POP’s Elite Rangers.”

“Our ships and our sailors are much better now.” The Science Advisor said proudly. “Our knowledge of Astrology allows us to navigate by the stars. We are no longer held to coastlines to maintain our course. They will make the journey safely at the narrowest point between our continent and the ESC. It is by four nautical tiles between us and them – our galleys can easily make that crossing. Our Caravels will have even more options.”

Hannibal found this good indeed. The Military and science Advisors were getting along well, their goals complimenting each other with excellence.

The deal with Persia and Sumeria was struck. Hannibal made Xerxes throw in all 12 of their gold on top of the deal. With twelve cities the people of Carthage had enough supplies to commission a third army.

The Army was immediately filled with a unit known, quite unimaginatively as the Band of Knights. Once the army had been formed, all captured cities were immediate razed in accordance with the commands of the great pi4t.

Hannibal also choose to be merciful at this time, giving Theodora of the Byzantines knowledge of Literature for their measly 18 pieces of gold.

On the ESC POP’s Elite Rangers were ready to go on the attack again. The Rangers attacked the 33rd 3Ax Formation of Spearmen and easily destroyed the band of ill-trained regulars. During the fighting the Anvils flanked the spear formation and drove into the center, disrupting the defenses of Ankuwa. Having distinguished themselves in battle, the Anvil was given the honors of an elite band.

All that lay between the Rangers and Ankuwa’s riches was the 10th 3Ax Spears. Once more the Rangers were victorious, the three units of swordsmen surrounding the city so that none could escape the vicious attack. The Rangers took some damage in the attack but it was only minor wounds that would quickly heal. A band of workers was captured – these were spice workers that had fled the approach of Carthage’s armies. The city of Ankuwa was razed, its people impressed into service. In total three new bands of slaves had been captured. These would be the Hittite03-05.

The Armies of Carthage had also reached the outskirts of Ivriz, a Hittite city that had served as a hub for the Hittite dye trade.. Now that Karatepe had been razed the dye trade was non-existent from the west (though additional sources existed in the east by Alalah and Kanesh). The city defenders had been identified as the 101st and 82nd 3Ax Formation of spearmen.

The Silver Hawks attacked from the surrounding jungle. The crafty 82nd 3Ax Spears had lined their soft earthworks with small wood spears that inflicted horrible damage on the Hawks. The elite riders maintained the charge as command broke down, carrying the day but with over 50% of their comrades dead or wounded. In a continuous Charge, the Paladins of the Silver Flame rushed the 101st 3Ax Spearmen. Once more the crafty Hittite warriors set a trap. Quietly they had dug dip pits in the soft earth and covered them with the large fronds from the jungle. When the Paladins charged, the first ranks fell into the wide pits, killing rider and horses. Many of the riders died as the wounded horses thrashed beneath them. Disciplined, the Paladins withheld the final attack and captured many of the commanders of this brave band. They were quickly bound and sent back to Smilin’ Bob for debriefing. Such craft commanders could not be wasted. Their men were pressed into a slave band along with the few healthy men and women from the ravished city. These were the Hittite06-07. The spearmen were found to be mercenaries known as the Hessians. After much discussion the Hessian commanders offered to form a new unit in the service of Carthage. This Hannibal found to be good for the Hessians were cunning warriors.

The Trade Advisor approached Hannibal at this time with fair words. “Great Hannibal, the Mayans are fearful we might attack them once we are done dispatching the Hittites. Because of this we are able to negotiate a good deal with them. In trade for Education they are willing to give us tribute of 200 gold payable in 20 installments of 10gp each. This will greatly help our research! In addition, they will give us their entire treasury of 22 pieces of gold. This is good news for us, Hannibal. Education is wide known amongst the advanced nations already, after all.”

“This is a fair deal. It should be made immediately.” Hannibal agreed.

Unfortunately no other good deals were available in 1120AD.

In 1130 AD it became known that with three armies Carthage could create a building known as CommandoBob’s Pentagon. This strange geometric building would allow Carthage to add a forth unit to every available army. This was good news. Hannibal ordered this building to begin immediately in New Hannibalopolis for the workshop of Leonardo. This would be converted to the Pentagon of CommandoBob if the Workshop was produced by another civilization first. In addition to the bolstering of the armies, the Pentagon of CommandoBob would also be a good place for Carthage to display its many trophies marking Carthage’s triumph over all of the nations of the world!

The attack on Alalah took place in 1140 AD. Two Carthaginian Units were available for the attack – The Regulators and the Knight of Ni. They were facing the two Hittite spear formations – the 13th and 27th 3Ax. The Knights, lacking reinforcements, held their ground. The two units decided on a coordinated attack. The Regulators would overrun the 13th in a blitzing attack and then the Knights of Ni would pass through the formation to strike down the 27th and thus claim the city. The attack worked perfectly though the Regulators suffered nearly 50% casualties. As their was no room for retreat, men and horses died upon spears but the opening was created as planned and the Knights of Ni passed through to hammer the 27th into the dust without a single loss of their own. The route was so complete that the remainder of the 13th and the few men of the 27th left alive threw down their spears and surrendered. These became the Hittite06.

In 1150 AD Carthage’s navy had grown to the point that the people of Carthage threw a great celebration for the gods and their leader, Hannibal. They offered to add a west wing to Hannibal’s cave so that he could have a private place to rest and think.

It would not be acceptable to hold meeting there, but it gave Hannibal a place of privacy as the technology covering hanging doors was still unknown to Carthage. The Celebration, however, was focused on the new launched ICS Cunning of Ivriz CA-02 at Smilin’ Bob. Many naval units were now in route to the waterway leading to the ESC. The invasion of the other continent was proceeding nicely.

By the end of 1150 AD the Americas were offering a deal that was too good for Carthage to pass up. Lincoln was wiling to part with all 75 pieces of their gold and give tribute of 320 piece of gold in increments of 16 gold per budgeting cycle for 20 cycles. Hannibal worried over the safety of the build of CommandoBob’s Observatory – for if the Workshop of Leonardo was completed, the Americas, the Hittites or the Mayans could complete it by switching their build. Carthage could not afford to lose the observatory. This deal was very tempting. As Carthage was only forty years from completing the Observatory, Hannibal decided it was worth the risk.