I am your slave! :)

[Raliuven]

Just you wait until I start my story, evil shall be everywhere!

I'll be looking forward this this! Another post probably tonight. I've got 251-260 done and almost done with 261-270. I just couldn't stop playing to post!

 

[Elephantium]

No cities may ever be gifted to rival tribes.

This takes effect after the Mayans receive their three cities.

 

[Toxicman007]

No cities may ever be gifted to rival tribes.

This takes effect after the Mayans receive their three cities.

Awwww.... That ruins some possible future lols.

 

[Raliuven]

Well I must admit it is sort of a relief. I like playing the game but it take FOREVER to get units to the ESC. About 80% of the game is moving units along a long . . . long . . . long road - hopefully only stopping to raid a barbarian camp. I'll be happy when I can build a ship chain to China!

Its only by the end of Turn 270 that I feel like I have some actual FORCE on the ESC. Sneak Peek - the Sumerians are going downnnnnn. Oh, and the Byzantines too, but Theodora is a punk. The only Dromon I've encountered died to my Curragh that was already damaged at 3/4. Now it is a 2/4. Meanwhile a lot of Byzantines are feeding the fish. How embarrassing.

 

[Raliuven]

Turn 251-260

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. (CommandoBob)
4. Rename every unit you produce for the rest of the game. (Elphantium)
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. (CommandoBob)
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. Build JS Bach's Cathedral and devote it to Sparthage. If you fail to build this, a great wonder must be constructed to satisfy Sparthage's anger. (Sparthage)
3. Construct a courthouse in Smilin' Bob in the honour of Toxic. (Toxicman007)
4. The victory achieved must be conquest. (Sparthage)
5. You may only achieve victory by conquering the Netherlands last. (Toxicman007)
6. Any and all Cavalry must be named as such: Toxic's 1st Cavalry, Toxic's 2nd Cavalry, Toxic's 3rd Cavalry, and so on. (Toxicman007) (only even numbered units?) (Sparthage)
7. You can only win after crippling an enemy nation with nuclear weapons (Hitting at least 50% of their cities with nukes) (Dirk Diggler)
8. At least three cities taken from the Hitties must be gifted to the Maya. (Toxicman007)
9. No cities may ever be gifted to rival tribes. [This takes effect after the Mayans receive their three cities. ] (Elephantium)
10. 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.

Once more in two parts.

Spoiler :

In the year of 1305AD the war with the Mayans which had started so promising had taken a questionable turn. The city of Copan had been quickly replaced with the city of Coba. Coba was but a shadow of the former city, but the Mayans were determined to keep the land. Four companies of Mayan knights surged past OMIA. Cleary they were afraid to attack such a massive assembled force but they would cause trouble at the LZ if they appeared in any numbers. At the least it would cause a delay in the offensive against Tikal. POP’s Elite Rangers drew back towards the LZ to join a forth unit to their battle lines – a crusader to bolster their strength. A forth knight would also be advancing under cover to join OMIA to bring it up to full strength.

The first move was for OMIA to move towards Tikal and cause as much damage as possible on the way. This began with them pillaging irrigated fields and roads, picking the land clean of forage and trampling the remainder. After this was done, Old Man Iron destroyed a unit of knights under the command of the Halach Uinic of Coba, fully routing the unlucky unit without any significant loss to the Iron Knights.

With the route of the Mayans, it was time to blunt the advance of the Americans as well. Hannibal demanded that the ambassador of America be drug before his court. The ambassador, defiant as ever, stood tall before the Carthaginians in spite of the way he was forced into the throne room.

“Pitiful Hannibal, why have your treated me so roughly? You should be careful. You have not many friends anymore.”

“Friends are not what I need. You, like many others, have encroached upon the lands of Carthage and this will not be tolerated.” Hannibal said grimly. “We had intended to teach the Mayans a lesson but it seems as if you need one even more. Consider this our declaration of war.”

POP’s Elite Rangers made the opening move against America, attacking the 12th Regiment of Philadelphian Pikes, which were part of the 1st Division, 1st Corps of the Army of the Potomac. This unfortunate band was protecting a group of settlers that were trying to occupy the newly vacated lands to the west of the Hittites. The unprepared regiment made a good show of itself but ultimately could not hold out against Carthage’s powerful armies.

At the same time the Byzantines, now ready to talk, were not yet willing to party with more than 8 piece of gold for peace. In an attempt to force a better peace deal the Black Company, supported by the Scourge of Amsterdam, routed the 11th Regiments of Skirmishers. Both units, already wounded, were reduced to shadows of their former strength. With the pending battle against the Sumerians, two fresh bands of knights – Day’s band and the Knights of Night were dropped in the west to cover the healing units.

The Sumerian ambassador was dragged before Hannibal as the American ambassador was being drug out. This was a good day, Hannibal decided. The Sumerians did not deserve any respect from Carthage. They had not iron or any technology that would make them a threat and Hannibal was going to be certain that this remained so.

A declaration of war was promptly given to their ambassador, who was then dismissed as the Byzantine ambassador was drug in. Hannibal glowered at the Byzantine ambassador. “Your pitiful empire has crumbled. Theodora is the greatest joke of the ESC. I give you this one chance to appease Carthage. Give us all 8 pieces of gold from your treasury and we will give you peace. At least for now. I would suggest that you consider bowing to Carthage. Otherwise I would not bother making any ‘long range’ plans.”

The ambassador could do nothing but grovel and agree to these terms.

The knights of Cold Steel faced a handful of the pitiful Enkidu warriors that were ‘guarding’ a band of Sumerian settlers. The Sumerian organization for war was crude and the Carthaginians did not spend much time trying to identify them. The Enkidu warriors were easily routed and the settlers rounded up for Carthage, becoming Sumeria06-07.

Next came the ambassador of India. An Indian Settler was seen close moving to the eastern area of the continent, threatening Carthage’s road network that delivered men and slaves from one end of the empire to another. The ambassador looked miserable and fearful and rightly so. Hannibal gave him not time to speak. Hannibal smiled and offered the Indians a wonderful deal – they would be given Engineering for their entire treasury of 46 pieces of gold.

The ambassador smiled weakly. “Thank you, Hannibal, for being so generous. Is there anything we can now do for you?”

“Indeed there is.” Hannibal accepted the offer. “Die!”

With these words the guards beheaded the Indian ambassador. There would be no need to talk to Gandhi’s men ever again.

Very quickly Peter & Peter fell upon the Indian warriors guarding their settlers. The settlers become slave bands India10-11. The Jagged knights ran down a second band of foraging warriors, executing the attack so artfully that they were given status as an elite band and their ranks expanded. A final band of warriors were overrun by the Cruel Knights but, in a surprising move, the Indian warriors faded into the swamp, drawing the heavy cavalry in bogs and mud traps. Many of the men drown or were beset by the lightly armored warriors while struggling to free themselves and their mounts. Their losses were horrible.

More units shuffled towards India. The hope was to put an end to Gandhi quickly so that reinforcements could be land upon the ESC.

In 1310 AD the struggle on the ESC was heating up. The knight of Cold Steel had dispatched another Ekindu warrior band and seized two new bands of slaves. The remainder of the time was spent gathering forces and healing wounded units. Soon the advance into India and Sumeria would begin. At the same time, OMIA was being positioned so that it could attack anything that passed it, wounding units before they could even enter the field.

The POP Elite Rangers began 1315AD by killing the Quartz Knights under the nominal command of the Halach Uinic of Tikal.

A band of Sumerian longbows had also appeared outside of Akshak. Aabraxan’s Honor Guard eliminated this threat but only after taking substantial casualties. The longbowmen had anchored themselves in a small gap between the mountains and the sea, raining deadly arrows amongst the heavy cavalry before they could close and finish the job.

Meanwhile Old Man Iron continued to pillage towards Tikal, overrunning a second band of knights and an American Warrior guarding a band of settlers – these became America03-04. At the same time, the Sapphire Knights under the command of the Halach Uinic of Tikal (as all units in this area were) had approached the first Carthaginian fortress – lovingly called the pi4t of Despair.

Not for the feelings of the garrisoning units, of course, but for the despair felt by the enemies of Carthage once they saw it. And, of course, in honor of the god pi4t and his watchful priests, in the hopes that both he, and his priests, would smile upon Carthage from the heights of the Internet. Even worse (for invaders), all three of Carthage’s captured catapult batteries had been installed within the fortress.

All three batteries began to fire as the Sapphire Knights began to form for their assault. Predictably all three batteries missed the mark, leaving the bewildered knights unharmed. Their fortune did not last, however. The Knights of Flowers* sallied forth from the fortress before the Sapphire Knights could reorganize for their attack. The slaughter was fearful and the dead mounted on both sides. The Sapphire Knights, unable to retreat because of the massed army of POP’s Rangers to their rear, died to a man, their battle flags sent to CommandoBob’s Pentagon to join the ranks of the vanquished.

At the start of 1320AD things were looking bleak on the Mayan front. There were now 4 companies of knights, a rank of longbows, two ranks of javelin throwers and a formation of pikes approaching the pi4t of Despair. The battle would need to be carefully managed. The only blessing was that the units would be arriving in detail – and defeated in the same way.

The batteries of the pi4t opened upon the Ruby and Granite Knights. The Ruby Knights were already wounded, having tried to run past the POP Elite Rangers and skirmished with its outriders. Now they were punished again by the fortress artillery. By the time the batteries ceased firing both bands had their effective fighting strength reduced to nearly 50%.

The templars know as the Right Boot of templar_x put their collective boots up the asses of the Ruby Knights, inflicting a humiliating defeat upon the knights. The Regulators followed this attack and drove the Granite knights from the field, killing all of their commanders and capturing their battle flags. The Maggot Makers ran down the fleeing Ruby Knights, those that had escaped the templars. This move had sealed off the easy approaches to the Pi4t of Despair while simultaneously eliminating three of the four bands of threatening knights. The Mayan advance under the direction of the Halach Uinic of Tikal had failed miserably.

The war against the Mayans now well under control, Hannibal ordered the attack on India to begin in earnest. A band of templars (The Ritter) and three companies of heavy cavalry (The Jagged Knights, the Outriders, and the Shadow Knights) pressed through the jungle and reached the outskirts of Indus.

Likewise, two bands of knights, and two bands of heavy cavalry pressed on against Ganges. It was suspected that the war against India would be over in short order. They were still defending their lands with spears and archers.

The Mayans had foolishly continued to advance in the face of the might of the Carthaginian fortress, attempting to siege the fortress in 1325AD. As the POP Elite Rangers stopped to rest and heal, the batteries of the fortress moved to support the army, bombarding the remaining company of Mayan knights – the Pearl Knights. The batteries opened up but failed to make any significant progress. The Maggot Makers followed the attack barrage and caught the knights disorganized and dismounted – many of the men had sent their mounts to the rear, out of the way. Even fighting as heavy infantry they inflicted horrible damage on the Maggot Makers, depleting nearly 70% of their fighting strength before they finally buckled under the strain.

The Battle against India began against Indus. Though a minor skirmish first erupted between the Paladins of the Silver Ash – the unit formed around the cadre of the survivors of the Paladins of the Silver Flame – and the 5th Independent Archer Division outside Ganges. The knights, ever faithful, destroyed the roving band of arches and earned their laurels quickly.

And Indus, the 10th Independent Spear Division (a reconstituted band) was the first target of the Outriders, a band of veteran heavy cavalry looking to earn their laurels. The attack, however, was botched and the Outriders broke ranks, fleeing in disgrace from the well drilled spear formations. The Ritter, crusaders well trained by templar_x, initiated the next assault. The 13th Spears had moved to support the exposed flank of the 10th Spears but the move came too late. The Ritter tore through the phalanx, forcing them into individual combat where they could be torn apart. Trained to be bloodthirsty and ruthless, the crusaders slew the Indian defenders to the last man. The 10th broke upon seeing the slaughter only to be overrun by the Jagged Knights. A new band of slaves, India13 was constituted from the citizens of Indus – those few that were able bodied and allowed to survive.

The Sumerians had also grown frisky and advanced both a regular company of horsemen, an elite band of swordsmen and a regular band of longbows. The Knights of the Chalice broke camp early and overran the pitiful horsemen offered by Gilgamesh. Once more the Carthaginian commanders suffered greater losses then expected, the Knights being reduced to only 50%of their numbers. The Dark Brotherhood, suffering only minor wounds this time.

The remainder of the Carthaginian army advanced against the western Sumerian holdings – concentrating on Kuara as their first target.

A quick diplomatic check revealed that India was already willing to bend to Carthage’s will. The would give up Ganges and Der to avoid further conflict with Carthage. The Mayans were also willing to part with Piedras Negras and 35 pieces of gold to escape their war with Carthage.

The Mayan ambassador arrived at the palace and begged so piteously for a meeting that Hannibal granted it. The ambassador repeated their offer of Piedras Negras and their 35 pieces of gold. Hannibal laughed and tossed the ambassador out (which was actually easier to do as there was no DOOR!).

The ragged band of Sumerian horsemen attempted to attack the camp of the wounded Knights of the Chalice but suffered a humiliating defeat. Likewise the Indians sent the 17th Independent Archers to attack the encamped Paladins of the Silver Ash, inflicting serious damage upon the resting knights before the could mount their horses and organize a counterattack. The charge shattered the 17th, sending them reeling into the swamp.

Greatly angered assault upon the 24th Independent Spears holding Ganges began. The Knights of the Seraphim took the honor of the leading attack. The 24th were deeply entrenched upon the high hills that covered all approaches to the city. This did not dissuade the Knights though they left half of their number in wounded and dead upon the field. Next came the Ghost Knights. Practitioners of the occult, the called upon the spirits of their ancestors to assist in the battle. Though it is questionable if these ancestors answered, what is certain is that the Knights overran the city without any losses to themselves. This was a marvelous victory for Carthage. Ganges was sacked and all of its citizens slain.

India had lost its courage with the fall of Ganges. Gandhi himself appeared in Smilin’ Bob, begging for peace to be given. India would give up all of its territory and its remaining 14 pieces of gold to survive. Hannibal considered putting India down once and for all but the decided the units were needed on the ESC. With this latest conquest India was once more a client state and little more. Hannibal had more important things to deal with, at the moment. Hannibal consented to the peace treaty – at least for another 100 years. All surrendered Indian cities were immediately put to the torch.

The batteries of the Pit, still maintaining their positions in support of the Rangers, bombarded the newest Mayan threat. The formation of pikes covered two ranks of non-melee attackers – longbows and javelins. The batteries opened against the Mayans, severely damaging the lines of densely packed pikes. The Right Boot attacked the weakened pikes, putting an end to the devastated band. Only the covering volleys of the supporting longbows cause the crusaders any harm. This in turn, exposed the Javelins to the Knights of Flowers. These men were easily overcome. Finally the Silver Hawks were called upon to strike the rank of longbows that had harmed the crusaders of the Right Boot. These men were routed as well with only a handful of men wounded amongst the Hawks.

The Mayan offensive was over.

OMIA destroyed the Diamond Longbows of Tikal in passing.

In Western Sumeria the city of Kuara lay before the invading Carthaginians. The contest in the west was rather unfair. There were 8 formidable Carthaginian units in the area and the Sumerians continued to protect their cities with their barbaric Enkidu warriors. In addition, they had used a valuable medieval infantry to protect a worthless band of settlers.

The men of Day’s knights began the attack on Kuara.

The many mounted units had already spread out to invest the city. The Sumerians used only rudimentary methods of defense but it was enough to drive off Day’s men. Hard as they may be, they cracked under the assault on the hilltop city, routed by deep ravines and spears angled in the hollows of the hills. Next came the Knights of Night. Not learning the lessons of men before them, the knights were easily turned aside. This left the Dark Knights to carry the attack, which they did with only 30% casualties. The Iron Lances finished the attack in a typical, flawless fashion, for these men had fought under the direction of Old Man Iron himself. Now they carried the day with ease and Kuara burned. The citizens were rounded up into Sumeria04 to replace the band of workers used to create a saltpeter colony on the mainland.

At the same time, the Black Company turned against the medieval infantry, defeating them only after a hard contest. The settlers were rounded up into the Sumeria10-11 work band and sent towards the pi4t.

 

[Raliuven]

Part 2

Spoiler :

POP’s Elite Rangers were fully healed by 1335 AD and on the move. The Mayans has constructed a string of cities along the northern border of the Hittites and this could not be allowed to stand. The Rangers first had to push aside the Jade Longbows that had fallen under the command of Ajaw of Uxmal. This proved easy going and the only a few wounded were to be found within the army after the battle. Next came the assault against Uxmal itself. The Ajaw was commanding the defenses personally with the Onyx Javelins. The assault was difficult but POP’s Elite Rangers pushed threw the ranks of Javelins. The crusaders of POP’s Elite Rangers, the Left Hand of templar_x surrounded the Ajaw of Uxmal and slew the ruler, throwing the city and its defenders into chaos. The final results of the battle was the utter destruction of Uxmal and the units under its control. The Path to Dzibilchaltun was now open and both POP’s Elite Rangers and OMIA were approaching the city. The outcome was inevitable.

It was as Carthage’s prospects started to look up that the wise Spannibal, priest of the mighty Sparthage, once more entered Hannibal’s presence. Hannibal gave great deference to the priest of Sparthage, for it was under the command of the priests that the navy of Carthage had come to rule to the seas even over the formidable Byzantine armada.

“Great Spannibal, it is a pleasure to be within the faithful glow of Spathage.” Hannibal welcomed the priest. “What troubles your wise god?”

“Faithful Hannibal, I call upon you with concern for the navy.” Spannibal spoke plainly. “It is vital that our navy maintain its supremacy over the seas. Your invasion of the Eastern Super Continent is only possible because of the bravery of Sparthaginian sailors.”

“It is so.” Hannibal agreed. “And I wish for it to remain so. What is necessary to maintain the readiness of the fleet?”

“The sailors are well trained but long years at sea require entertainment, Hannibal.” Spannibal explained. “It is vital to the happiness of the sailors – and to all the people of Carthage – that we have new music and songs. This will bring great joy to the Sparthaginian navy and ensure that they remain vigilant and productive.”

“I shall make is so,” Hannibal said immediately. “We shall build a great cathedral in the honor of Sparthage. Within this cathedral shall be a great school of music dedicated to our great god. They shall spread the word of the greatness of Carthage’s gods and give inspiration to our people and navy!”

Much in agreement the priest of Sparthage departed. But as he made his way out of the palace a new priesthood approached Hannibal’s throne. These were priest of the farseeing god Toxicman007. The priesthood referred to themselves as Toxic Priests and generally referred to their god as just Toxic. To them Hannibal bowed deeply, unsure what to expect. These priests had remained quiet for more than 5000 years. Their sudden appearance surely meant that something was not being done correctly.

“Wise priests of the divine Toxic, what may the humble people of Carthage do for you today?” Hannibal asked with great deference.

“Great Hannibal,” The high priest began, “It has come to the attention of the frugal Toxic that both production and money is being wasted at Smilin’ Bob. This is unacceptable. There is theft occurring in our cities, some from our own corrupt politicians. Something must be done.”

“I do not disagree,” Hannibal said, “But there is little we can do unless we kill all the politicians. Their fingers are stickier than the Hittite treasurers.” Hannibal quickly summoned Bob and Betty from Account Temp.

“By our measurements,” Bob explained with an easel while Betty operated the charts and graphs. "Is that Smilin’ Bob has a total ‘loss’ of 2 units of production – called ‘shields’ in accounting lingo – out of 15 total shields. This is a loss of 13%. Similarly we are missing 5 pieces of gold from the total amount expected of 61 pieces. This is a loss of 8%. And, though you did not ask, the distribution of pills in Smilin’ Bob is up 25% though the population growth has stalled. Betty and I are still involved in deep research of this phenomenon. It might be a while before figure out the cause.”

Hannibal was equally troubled by this report but he did not say anything. He doubted the Toxic Priests cared about such base things.

“This theft cannot be tolerated in Carthage.” The Toxic Priests explained. “We must have the rule of law. Toxic requires – in fact demands – that a courthouse be built at Smilin’ Bob. The judges shall be priests of Toxic and we shall dispense justice for the people of Carthage!”

Hannibal knew better than to disagree with a priest and he quickly assured the faithful of Toxic that it would be so. Hannibal quickly sent word to the new recruits training to be knights to throw down their lances and swords and help construct the courthouse.

News from the Sumerian battlefront were encouraging. Hannibal ordered his companies forwards. When they arrived at the outskirts of Akshak they discovered that the city was protected by nothing more than a barbaric band of Enkidu warriors – so typical of the Sumerians. Arrayed against them wre no less than 4 companies, all elite heavy cavalry and knights.

At the same time a small contingent from the western companies approached Kua. Most of the western units were still healing, however, so a date from the assault had not yet been determined though it was only guarded by more Enkidu warriors and rested on a plain that, though fertile in wheat, was not blessed with any natural defenses.

Against the Mayans POP’s Elite Rangers closed on Dzibilchaltun while OMIA rested. The city was protected by a frail band of spears – the Jade Spears of Dzibilchaltun, commanded personally by the Ajaw.

The remainder of 1340AD was spent sending a multitude of military units towards the ESC. The companies that had struck at India were in route along with all of the other units Carthage was producing. Upon their arrival the conquest of the ESC would accelerate.

The only other interesting thing to happen in 1340AD is the sale of Philosophy to William of the Dutch for a slave worker. These became the Dutch07.

The war against Sumeria was eventful in the next 5 years. Carthage’s knights eliminated two ranks of longbows that were stalking the western mountains between Erech and Kua. Only Day’s knights lost a few men to wounds. This allowed more units to gather on the edge of Kua for a final push in 1350AD.

On the eastern front the battle for Akshak had begun. The pitiful Enkindu regulars were milling around the arid lands around the city, preparing to receive the charge of Carthage’s horsemen. The honor of the first attack was for the knights of Cold Steel as the most ‘formidable’ unit on the field. The knights brushed aside the barbarians though the knights would take some time to refill their ranks, heal their wounds and requisition new mounts.

The second attack was for Aabaxan, the senior commander on the field. Few units had been in the service of Carthage so long as Aabraxan’s Honor Guard. The attack was brutal and Aabraxan’s men suffered serious wounds - one of ever six men were judge unfit for combat after the exchange but they carried the battle and with it, the city. The fires could be seen all the way in Kisurra. A new band of slave was formed – the Sumeria12 (again I see two bands of unnamed slaves, so these are Sumeria10-11).

The Battle against the Mayans was also proceeding. The Jade Spears of Dzibilchaltun had bravely entrenched around the city but fear trembled through their ranks at the approach of POP’s Elite Rangers. They were already squeezed by OMIA to the East and the approach of this second army meant certain doom for the city.

The Old Man sent word to the garrison to surrender but the Ajaw refused. It was his duty to protect Dzibilchaltun and he would die fulfilling this vow. And die he did along with his entire command.

Old Man Iron transferred his prisoners to POP’s Elite Rangers and continued to allow his men to heal. The Knights of Flowers were also on their way to join the army, bringing it to full strength. After this addition the knights would be a force 1800 strong; enough knights to crack almost any city that lay before them.

While this grand reports were reaching Hannibal the science advisor stumbled into the room. “Great Hannibal, the dastardly Americans have learned the secrets of Musical Theory! They have hired some man named Bach to help them build a Cathedral. It would seem we have a spy somewhere in our ranks – there is no way the Americans could have come up with the same plan as the wise Sparthage.”

“This is ill news.” Hannibal brooded. “What do you suggest?”

“We need not fear, Hannibal.” The Science Advisor said, “We are in communication with the Hittites and they have knowledge of the printing press and musical theory. They will give us both and all 30 pieces of their gold for the knowledge. I suggest we make this deal as it will give us more to trade away to the other rulers to make more gold for our armies!”

“Would we then risk losing the Trading Post of this man named Smith?” Hannibal inquired.

“I would not worry about it overmuch. We will pillage the American cities to reduce their production and if the Hittites pose a problem we will be able to attack them again in but 50 short years.” The Military Advisor assured.

Thus the deal was made and Carthage learned the secrets of Musical Theory nearly 60 years before it was planned as well as the printing press, which they had never intended to learn. In Caseyboy97’s Asylum the foundation for Smith’s Trading Company was changed to that of Sparthage’s Cathedral. At the same time the knights being trained in New Hannibalopolis were commanded to help build a new foundation for Smith’s Trading Company.

The year 1350AD was eventful. On the ESC the war against the Mayans was becoming interesting. Two veteran companies of Mayan knights and a rank of Mayan longbows had made an appearance. They were marching to relieve the Ajaw of Dzibilchaltun but had arrived too late – and it was a good thing because the messengers were tired writing such a ridiculous name. The intent was to transfer command from the Halach Uinic of Tikal to the Ajaw (as the Ajaw did not yet have a general of his own). Only when they arrived the entire city was gone. Dumbfounded they searched for a reason only to find OMAI encircling them, cutting off all escape. By the end of the battle the 800 knights of the Amethyst and Crystal knights lay dead amongst the combined wounded and dead of 500 knights under the command of Old Man Iron. Both formations effectively ceased to exist. The Old Man moved his army back into position to away the arrival of the Knights of Flowers and to heal their wounds.

Upon the withdrawal of the Rangers to deliver them back to the Carthaginian LZ the scouts uncovered the presence of the 1st Regiment Philadelphian Swords, the 4th Regiment of Philadelphian Medieval Infantry and 9th Regiment of US Warriors, all part of the 1st Division, 1st Corps of the Army of the Potomac. Oddly these lead elements were accompanying two bands of settlers in covered wagons. This seemed very silly to Hannibal but the Americans were said to be very strange.

In the west three companies of Carthaginian cavalry were prepared to pounce on Kua. The poor Sumerian citizens were still protected by nothing more than two ragged bands of Enkidu warriors that smelled so bad that their stench choked the cavalrymen upwind at an elevation of 3000 feet.

Phaedo’s Pride, yet to earn its elite status, made the first charge. The Enkidu fought bravely and drove the band away from the city with few wounded. Their horrid, near inhuman screams started the horses as they charged and the raw men of the Pride broke and ran. The Sumerians laughed at the fleeing Carthaginian horsemen while they savagely cut off the heads of any prisoners that fell within their grasp.

The Black Guard advanced next, circling to the east so as to pinch warriors against the open plains and the Lake of Kua to the southwest. The attack was timed perfectly. The Enkidu shuffled around in confusion as the Guard road hard to the east and then, lighting fast, smashed through their ranks. There was nowhere for the grubby warriors to flee so they died, butchered by Carthaginian lances and swords.

The final charge was by the renown Iron Lances, the former company of Old Man Iron himself. They faced the disgusting band of Enkidu that were still enjoying the slaughter of the prisoners left in the wake of the Prides quick, disorganized retreat. The Lances suffered horrible loses to the stubborn Enkidu but prevailed, killing the warriors to the last man, giving no quarter, and rescuing the few remaining prisoners of the Pride to return to the ranks for healing. The City of Kua was destroyed, its people enslaved to the Sumeria13 work band and sent to the rear to embark upon a ship that would bring them to the Carthaginian fortress on the ESC.

The second element of the western army was being to converge on Erech to open the entire western theater of war. The healing Knights of Night spotted a band of Sumerian Longbows known as the Ice Arrows creeping along a nearby mountain ridge. The Knights dismounted and slipped along a narrow path while leaving a small band and all of their mounts visible to the Ice Arrows. As the Ice Arrows prepared to attack the encampment the knights fell upon them. Unknown to them, the Sumerians were a crafty lot and they had staged their own ambush. Their ‘sighting’ had been a ploy and nothing more. As the knights attacked the longbowmen they found only a small fraction of the camp. The remaining men dropped a river of deadly arrows on the dismounted men and they perished. The few men left to guard the mounts, seeing the slaughter, fled with the horses to save the unit’s standard. It would be a long time before they could take the field again.

The Ice Arrows remained in control of the field of battle, looting the Carthaginian dead while laughing.

By the end of the 1350AD the count of cities was a such:

Carthage: 5 (of course)
India: 1
Netherlands: 1
Byzantines: 7
Mayan: 12
Sumeria: 12
Hittite: 11
America: 15
Portugal: 12
France: 12
China: 11
Persia: 1
Spain: 10

Carthage was ranked 6th of 16 civilizations, 3 of which were already dead and 3 of which were of no further concern. Oddly Persia still ranked higher than either the Byzantines or China!

 

[Toxicman007]

I like Toxic's priests and courthouse. But why is there a palace building in Caseyboy97's Asylum? Is it a prebuild, or are you actually switching capital again?

 

[Raliuven]

I like Toxic's priests and courthouse. But why is there a palace building in Caseyboy97's Asylum? Is it a prebuild, or are you actually switching capital again?

The was originally a pre-build meant to capture Smith's. As it turned out, getting Music Theory wasn't so difficult so has now been swapped to Bachs and Smiths was begun in New Hannnibalopolis.

Depending on how Carthage is teching, Hannibal may start a new prebuild for Newtons, but that seems sooooo far away. Chemistry is taking 22 turns, figure about the same for Physics and ToG. I think Hannibal will be producing Knights, Muskets and Caravals for a while yet. Hannibal will let the AI go for Metal since it expires the SoZ. Hopefully by the time Carthage gets to Mag they'll have that all worked out. (Unless the gods have a differnt idea?)

Planned tech route at the moment: Chem is almost done. Then Physics, ToG, Mag (then produce 10 frigates ), Metal if it is not known. Hannibal will then head for Steam ASAP and head off towards RP in the hope that the AI will figure out Medicine. Then the question is if Hannibal orders the research of sanitation. Normally I wouldn't bother, but it would be like doubling the population of Carthage.

 

[Raliuven]

Turn 261-270

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. (CommandoBob)
4. Rename every unit you produce for the rest of the game. (Elphantium)
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. (CommandoBob)
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.
2. Build JS Bach's Cathedral and devote it to Sparthage. If you fail to build this, a great wonder must be constructed to satisfy Sparthage's anger. (Sparthage)
3. The victory achieved must be conquest. (Sparthage)
4. You may only achieve victory by conquering the Netherlands last. (Toxicman007)
5. Any and all Cavalry must be named as such: Toxic's 1st Cavalry, Toxic's 2nd Cavalry, Toxic's 3rd Cavalry, and so on. (Toxicman007) (only even numbered units?) (Sparthage)
6. You can only win after crippling an enemy nation with nuclear weapons (Hitting at least 50% of their cities with nukes) (Dirk Diggler)
7. At least three cities taken from the Hitties must be gifted to the Maya. (Toxicman007)
8. No cities may ever be gifted to rival tribes. [This takes effect after the Mayans receive their three cities. ] (Elephantium)
9. 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. Construct a courthouse in Smilin' Bob in the honour of Toxic. (Toxicman007)

Spoiler :

The year 1355AD begin with promise – and a little insanity. The first of the good news was the construction of a Toxic Courthouse in Smilin’ Bob.

Bob and Betty from Account Temps were immediately on hand to explain the improvement that Toxic Justice had brought to the city.

“Godly Hannibal, the priests of Toxicman007 have indeed brought law to a lawless – though hardened – land. To remind you of the past performance in Smilin’ Bob:

Spoiler :

“By our measurements,” Bob explained with an easel while Betty operated the charts and graphs.
“Is that Smilin’ Bob has a total ‘loss’ of 2 units of production – called ‘shields’ in accounting lingo – out of 15 total shields. This is a loss of 13%. Similarly we are missing 5 pieces of gold from the total amount expected of 61 pieces. This is a loss of 8%. And, though you did not ask, the distribution of pills in Smilin’ Bob is up 25% though the population growth has stalled. Betty and I are still involved in deep research of this phenomenon. It might be a while before figure out the cause.”

Now the situation is this. Smilin’ Bob has a total ‘loss’ of 1 shield of 15. This is an improvement of 50%. We are also missing 3 pieces of gold of 63, or 5%. The total gain is 4 pieces of gold, of which one must be used to fund the effort of the Toxic priests.”

These things sounded fair to Hannibal, all for the price of one company of knights. Only the test of time would tell if this was a wise command by the priests but Hannibal would not question the will of the mighty gods. They were a demanding and often strange group, but they seemed to have done well by Carthage thus far.

As for the little insanity . . .

The POP Elite Rangers, after dispatching the 1st Regiment of Philadelphian Swords in a brief pitch battle, discovered a rush of settlers towards the open lands near Carthage’s LZ as well as uncovering the 17th Regiment of US Warriors. In addition the missing 2nd Spear Regiment of the French Foreign Legion was now revealed. Carthage would soon have 8 new bands of slaves to help build their defensive line!

The Knights of Flowers moved to Join the resting OMIA as they watched a new band of Mayan Knights – the Emerald Knights of Tikal – join the already lagging band of longbows – the Fire Opal Longbows of Calakmul – though they were changing their command to that of Tikal.

The reminder of 1355AD was spent moving Carthage’s units into place. Carthage delivered one new unit to the ESC – The Knights in White Satin who, until recently, had been on barbarian hunting duty. But with the flood of new units arriving it was time for them to move into combat. Many other units were stacked up behind them, preparing for transport.

Diplomatically things were improving as well. India was once more in the market to support Carthage’s scientific research. India received Education for the sum of 8gp and 5gpt. As no one else had anything of any value, there were no further trades.

Shortly after all battle orders had been dispatched a band of Sumerian swords appeared out of Erech, fighting fiercely and forcing the Harding Knights off of their mountainous perch. Luckily the wounded knights were able to retreat before the swordsmen finished them off. But now the swordsmen had been exposed to the advancing Carthaginian cavalry.

By 1360AD a ridiculous number of settlers had appeared to claim land. Unfortunately for all of them, Carthage had completed its Barricade fortress and had no intention of leaving the ESC. The French were almost as bad as the Americans – they now had three bands of settlers – two of them right outside of the pi4t of Despair!

Hannibal sent word to the French Ambassador that such invasions would not be tolerated. He didn’t even bother so see Joan’s ambassador – the French were too pitiful to bother talking with. The DOW was sent with a mint to help with its digestion.

POP’s Elite Ranger immediately dispatched the 2nd Spear Regiment of the French Foreign Legion and claimed two new slave bands. These became the French01-02. The batteries in the pi4t of Despair did minor damage to the 7th & 9th Regiments of the French Foreign Legion as they passed. The Right Boot of templar_x finished off the 9th Regiment that had escaped damage in a flawless victory. The Maggot Makers claimed the 7th Regiment. The battle was nearly bloodless for the Carthaginian cavalry and four new slave bands were formed from the terrified settlers, becoming French03-06. Given the sheer number of slaves now held at the pi4t of Despair, Hannibal ordered some to be evacuated back to the mainland to prepare to lay rails if steam power could ever be learned.

Another nearly bloodless struggle occurred between the Regulators and the 4th Regiment of Philadelphian Medieval Infantry. The infantry were trampled under the hooves of the elite band and, hemmed in by their own forces and a band of French horsemen to the south and east and POP’s Rangers to the east, they had no clear line of retreat. The slaughter was complete and two new bands of slaves were gathered for Carthage – America05-06.

In the western theatre Carthage’s units had slowed to a crawl to heal. The sword outside of Erech proved difficult to route. After nearly butchering the Scourge of Amsterdam the Knights of The Black Company finally managed to destroy them, dislodging them from their mountainous positions. But the strength of the corps was sapped and had to retreat to heal and gain reinforcements.

The 1st Corps on the far west flank were still healing but would be ready to move soon. The Black Guard dispatched a band of mangy longbowmen that had sudden appeared from the direction of Lagash. The outcome was inevitable.

This was also the year that OMIA with 1800 knights set back into the land of the Mayans to pillage and destroy. Along the way they stopped to destroy two new bands of Mayan knights at the cost of 300 of the own men wounded or dead.

Disaster near befell the Dark Knights when a roving band of Sumerian longbowmen sallied out of Lagash, launching volleys of deadly accurate arrows into their ranks. The elite company of Cavalry immediately turned to face the threat – had they retreated they would have perished to a man! – and slashed through the ranks of bowmen. The victory was narrow. Only a handful of men escaped with the strength to fight, helping their wounded brothers back to the mountains to heal with the remainder of the army.

It would seem that the west wing of the army was fairly poorly against Sumeria. More reinforcements were needed to get things back on track. Healing was simply taking far too long. Luckily a fresh batch of military units were preparing to disembark on the ESC.

POP’s Elite Rangers destroyed the 9th Regiment of US Warriors, effectively destroying the 1st Division of 1st Corps of the Army of the Potomac. The 17th Regiment of US Warriors, a detached unit from the 2nd Corps was also run down by the Regulators. Together the settlers seized formed the America07-10. Finally the Maggot Makers overran the 22nd Horse Regiment of the French Foreign Legion to claim the French03-04.

OMIA also took it upon itself to destroy a band of Mayan pikes and knights in a daring nighttime raid. This would stem the tide of Mayan reinforcements heading towards the LZ.

The Carthaginian Science Advisor also reported that the Hittites, Americans and Mayans had learned the secrets of Navigation.

OMIA once more destroyed a band of Mayan Knights and Longbows under the nominal control of the Halach Uinic of Tikal though in reality both were under the orders of the Ajaw of Calakmul. It was likely, however, that OMIA would need to pause in its conquests yet again so that its mean could heal. It was below 50% effective strength. POP’s Elite Rangers were also healing after their long foraging mission and escort of 19 foreign slaves back to the pi4t of Despair. More slaves were being exported to the mainland now. There were simply too many of them!

Also in 1370AD three new units landed on the ESC – in the west the elite* units the Krondorian Lancers and the Tusks of Justice and at the pi4t of Despair the Left Boot of templar_x joined the garrison.

With a great deal of moxie a band of regular longbowmen approached the western beach head where Carthage had gathered 5 companies of heavy cavalry with a detached band of knights. The Black Company took the honor of the attack and put an end to the cheeky bowmen though they suffered 30 dead and twice that in wounded.

The western front was about to start moving again. A second landing comprised of three addition heavy cavalry meant the battle for Erech would begin again in short order. Meanwhile, the battle for Kisurra was already underway.

Kisurra was a small city on the eastern edge of Sumeria.

A victory here would push the battle into the heart of Sumeria. Four companies of heavy cavalry and one company of knights were tasked with taking the city, a proposition that seemed possible given that the city was still held by nothing more than Enkidu warriors. To give them their due, however, even these smelly men knew the value of defending a hilltop city. They had fortified the perimeter and were prepared to receive the attack.

The Knights of Cold Steel opted for the first attack. The Enkidu before them were known as the Blue Scalps for their brightly colored hair. The Knights set the charge and by the end of a long hour’s struggle, many blue haired heads were paraded on Carthaginian lances. Next in the line of Battle was the Knights of the Chalice. Though everyone grimaced at the thought of these drunkards in battle, they had survived for a long time, albeit with many replacements. On this day, however, the Knights chasing their drink fought well. And if the battle was bloody then the spoils were even more so. The city of Kisurra was razed and a band of slaves formed into the Sumeria14.

The attack also progressed against Lagash, a Sumerian core city that was a constant annoyance to the Carthaginian advance. Though a city of considerable size, the city had but two Enkidu warriors for protection. A sad defense indeed.

Frustrated with the pace of the war, Old Man Iron led his fierce warriors against the city wall of Tikal in 1380AD. The Ajaw fled in terror though the Halach Uinic defended the city with great bravery. In the end, the city fell along with two veteran bands of pikes.

Three bands of spice workers were captured when the city fell and the citizens impressed to service for a total of five new slave bands the Mayan10-14. As an afterthought Old Man Iron overran a Javelin thrower as well, capturing another band of settlers that became the Mayan15-16.

The Left Boot of templar_x walked over the 6th Regiment of Washington Longbows, part of the 2nd Division of the 1st Corps.

The assault on Lagesh also took place. The cunning Suerians had finally scraped enough gold together to high a band of mercenary pikes to protect Lagash. The band was known as the Iron Wall. The Iron Lances tested their name. The Pikes lowered their long spears as the heavy cavalry charged. Hannibal prayed that the Sumerians could get their money back because the mercenaries broke ranks almost immediately and fled. The Iron lances suffered a loss of 50% of their fighting strength but wounds could be mended and replacements sent from Carthage for lost comrades and mounts.

The Black Guard faced two bands of regular Enkidu warriors, the last defense of Lagash. The Black Guard were not arrogant; they had seen the Enkidu fight with great ferocity. The band before them holding the left flank were the Death Walkers. The battle was intense but lasted less than an hour. The Death Walkers held their ground, dying to the last man to give their companions time to set clever traps amidst the final fortifications. The fall of Lagash would be a death blow to the Sumerians.

The task of breaking them was left to Day and his hard knights. It was a brual assignment with a low chance of survival. Day drove his men forward and, in a stunning victory, suffered only minor casualties taking the final defenses. The city was burned and its citizens corralled. Two bands of sugarcane workers were also pressed into the service of Carthage. All told, 5 new bands of slaves were formed – Sumeria15-19.

By 1385AD the rush to grab land was on again. This time it was China sending a wall of settlers into the fray. POP’s Elite Rangers first overran the 21st Regiment of Baltimore Spearmen and enslaved more American Settlers. There seemed to be a never ending supply of them. These were America09-10.

A raiding band of Sumerian longbowmen had captured Sumeria14 work band that was sent off on its own because the western commanders could not afford to bleed the strength of its advancing armies with an escort. Now, with the units healing and the slaves passed right under their noses, Aabraxan’s Honor Guard killed the sneaky longbows while the Dark Brotherhood rounded up the slaves again.

Shortly after his a new issue began to develop. The Hittites were snatching up the land and the Byzantines were becoming annoying again. Luckily the peace treaty with the Hittites would expire in 5 more years and now Carthage was prepared to eliminate them entirely (or at least reduce them to a client state). The war against the Sumerians was all but over – with nearly 20 bands of cavalry roaming in their lands at four separate entry points, they would crumble fast. Thereafter the fate of the Byzantines would also be sealed. Then, with the west secured, Carthage would push all of the east back on its heels, carving out the Hittites to reach France and Portugal while pushing back the Mayans and, eventually America. Spain and China would be all that remained (along with the client states of the Netherlands, India and Persia).

First POP’s Elite Rangers eliminated the Sapphire Knights of Coba. This was done, amazingly, without suffering more than a handful of wounded – not even enough to dull the combat strength of the army now 3800 men strong. Led by the Left Hand of templar_x, the sword formations quickly encircled the knights to prevent their escape and crushed them. The Army then turned to dispatch the 15th Regiment of US Warriors, a detached element of the 3rd Division of the 1st Corps. This was also a bloodless victory.

1390AD was otherwise peaceful as Carthaginian units healed and moved into position.

1395AD was a different story. The Byzantines were once more rebuilding their northern empire and getting on Hannibal’s nerves. They would need to go and quick. China was also moving settlers in and they would need to go. It was time for peace with the Mayans and for a new war with the Hittites.

The Mayans were willing to give knowledge of Navigation and 32 pieces of gold for peace. Very sensible. Hannibal accepted this deal for it would be 20 turns for Carthage to end its other wars. But first the Ruby Knights of Coba were bombarded by the catapult batteries of the pi4t of Despair. More than half of the knights lay wounded or dead from the startling accuracy of the catapults. The Maggot makers finished off the helpless band of knights as they tried to organize and – in all fairness – the Mayan knights gave as good as they got, slaying 100 of the heavy cavalrymen and wounding an equal amount before perishing themselves – all 200 men.

Peace between Carthage and the Mayans was then concluded.

Once again, Smoking-Jaguar was smoking something funny because he thought he was getting the better deal. Whatever.

As the guards tossed out the Mayan ambassador, the Hittite Ambassador was drug in. The man had the audacity to look pompous.

Hannibal stared the man down. “Our 100 years of peace have concluded and though I thought we had an understanding, you seem to have spread like a cancer – you even took over one of our golf courses. For this we demand payment!”

“This land is our land, Hannibal.” The Ambassador snapped. “Is it not in the color of the Hittites? It has been decided by Mursillis that if you wish for this peace to continue then YOU must pay US!”

Note: Really? You won’t even accepted a straight up peace? You might be an AI Civ if . . .

Hannibal had trouble seeing the difference between the Hittites and the Mayans so he ignored this insolent question. There could be only one solution. “Well, it will not be in your color for long! Carthage has destroyed many other civilizations for much less. You’ll be only a footnote in the history taught to our children in the schools we have built on planets orbiting around Alpha Centauri!”

Thus it was to be war once more between the forces of Carthage and that of the Hittites.

The open move was to destroy the 10th 4Ax Spears that had accompanied a band of Hittite settlers to steal more of Carthage’s lands. The battle was brief though the spearmen managed to harm nearly 400 men, this was only a minor reduction on the army’s strength. The settlers became the Hittite16-17.

This was also the time for Carthage to move against the Sumerian city of Erech. Carthage had assembled 6 companies of heavy cavalry to take the city – over 3400 cavalrymen. The poor city of Erech could present nothing more than two bands of their ill-kept Enkidu warriors.

The units coordinated the attack, intending to sweep out of the mountains and into the hills around Erech. It was well known how dangerous the Enkidu warriors could be on such terrain and the men of Carthage took care in their planning. The Krondorian Lancers*, long held from battle to push back the barbarian hoards on the mainland, were now at the forefront of a charge again. True to form, their charge as nearly flawless, over 3000 Sumerian barbarians lay dead in the hills amongst only a 100 dead for Carthage.

The second rank of Enkidu warriors began to create a great noise, possibly with the hopes of allowing some of the city’s citizens to escape but to no avail. The Tusks of Justice*, also long removed from the battle lines, made their charge. The fight was fierce – the Enkidu had spent time laying small wooden spikes amongst the hills. These caused great wounds to the horses of the Tusks and it angered them greatly. Many men would need to wait for fresh mounts before they could continue. But the warriors were dead with little to show for it but some horse meat. Erech finally burned, freeing up the center. Now Carthage’s units could pulls together and sweep down in the heartland of Sumeria.

One band of slaves were captured – Sumeria15. In addition, a band of archers posing as ‘bandits’ were caught in the fields around the pi4t of Despair. The Knights of Earth slew them without incident, hanging those that surrendered or were captured after the battle. Likewise, the Black Company encountered a rank of Sumerian Longbows that were attempting to harass a new ‘army’ of Carthaginian units that were pulling together to the north of the new Byzantine city of Septum. In a horrible travesty, the Black Company fell into a trap. The crafty longbowmen used wooden spikes similar to that used at Erech. As the knights fell to into the trap, the steady longbows send a hail of deadly arrows into the survivors. Only a handful of the Black Company survived but the unit was effectively destroyed. The survivors were quickly loaded onto some of the Sparthaginian ships to be returned to Carthage for refitting. Hannibal ordered a day of mourning in all of the cities of Carthage.

The assembling army would not allow such a disgrace to stand. The Knights of Charlemagne quickly took up the battle, eliminating the treacherous longbowmen while they celebrated their victory. It was a bitter sweet victory for the Knights of Charlemagne – their first battle in the service of Carthage.

Another big event came in 1395AD. Isabella of Spain threw open her seaports to the hungry merchants of Carthage and, in a shocking move, offered a new trade of silk, her entire world map and the full treasury – 24 pieces of gold – for the old knowledge of Monotheism. Naturally Hannibal jumped at such and offer!

Suddenly Hannibal could see far more of the world! But also, in a sad way, party of the mystique of the world had also worn off.

The close of 1400AD was a bit of stalemate against the Hittites. Carthage was still moving units and prosecuting the war against the Sumerians (and soon the Byzantines).

Carthage was, however, in a position to attack the Hittite city of Kummanni. The unfortunate city was garrisoned by less than 4000 spearmen; the 13th 4Ax Spear formation. They lay in the path of over 800 hardened knights, defending a new city without fortification across an open plain. Their only advantage were the mountains to the west and the ocean to the east, given their Phalanx a clear path to guard. This knowledge did them little good against the Knights of Earth. The surviving spearmen fled back into the city and, to the surprise of the Carthaginians, a second band of conscripted spearmen were rushed to the front. The fleeing 13th halted and took up formation with the conscripts, giving them a combined strength of 3000 spears. The sudden ‘hardening’ of the conscripts by the veteran warriors made them a force to be taken seriously.

The Knights of Water took them to task. Only it was the knights that got schooled. The new band of spears, fighting desperately for their homes, routed the knights away from the city. Kummanni would be safe, for now.

The Knights of Seraphim destroyed the 23rd Regiment of US Warriors outside of the pi4t of Despair. The Cruel Knights overran a band of Sumerian Longbows outside of Kish. The charge was flawless and they earned a promotion to an elite band for their exemplar service to Carthage.

Carthage’s treaty with Byzantium expired in 5 more years and all of Carthage was preparing to pounce upon the western civilizations of the ESC. The Hittites were also slated for destruction (or at least a major set back) in the next 50 years!

The Western War with Sumeria/Byzantium.

The Eastern War against the Hittites

 

[Toxicman007]

"Often strange group", eh? I like that. Looking pretty good again! Just to clarify, who is on the little island inhabited by a red player?

 

[Raliuven]

"Often strange group", eh? I like that. Looking pretty good again! Just to clarify, who is on the little island inhabited by a red player?

That would be poor old Spain. Isabella is having some problems this game - namely she doesn't know very many people . . . and the few she does know are the ones I am currently eliminating.

By strange I meant . . . unique. Interesting. Eccentric. Possibly a little insane.

 

[Toxicman007]

Sounds like me then. Poor Isabella...

Toxic's priests hereby demand that:
During the future invasion of Spain, one Ironclad must be present, but cannot attack or bombard anything.

 

[Raliuven]

Turn 271-280 This is the halfway point of the game.

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. (CommandoBob)
4. Rename every unit you produce for the rest of the game. (Elphantium)
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. (CommandoBob)
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. The victory achieved must be conquest. (Sparthage)
3. You may only achieve victory by conquering the Netherlands last. (Toxicman007)
4. Any and all Cavalry must be named as such: Toxic's 1st Cavalry, Toxic's 2nd Cavalry, Toxic's 3rd Cavalry, and so on. (Toxicman007) (only even numbered units?) (Sparthage)
5. You can only win after crippling an enemy nation with nuclear weapons (Hitting at least 50% of their cities with nukes) (Dirk Diggler)
6. At least three cities taken from the Hitties must be gifted to the Maya. (Toxicman007)
7. No cities may ever be gifted to rival tribes. [This takes effect after the Mayans receive their three cities. ] (Elephantium)
8. During the future invasion of Spain, one Ironclad must be present, but cannot attack or bombard anything. (Toxicman007)
9. 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. Build JS Bach's Cathedral and devote it to Sparthage. If you fail to build this, a great wonder must be constructed to satisfy Sparthage's anger. (Sparthage)

Part 1

Spoiler :

At the dawn of 1405AD Hannibal had a feeling of peace and inspiration. Something told him that he had been enlightened and it was from the great wisdom of the Gods that he received this ‘higher learning’. Both he and Carthage had survived and it felt as if things had come to a turning point – Carthage was halfway to its destine and, by extension, Hannibal was halfway to his goal. 6050 years was to be his life. Though many more years lay behind him than before him, he felt that the next 650 years would be a true test of him and his faith.

Hannibal could not spend his time daydreaming, however. There were many things to be done. First amongst them was to declare war on the Byzantines and the Chinese. Both had an annoying number of settlers running around on Carthaginian land.

The first order of business was to declare against Theodora once more. The Byzantine ambassador was called into the presence of Hannibal and his advisors. The man was wise enough to bow and show respect – not that it would save his pitiful people.

“Great Hannibal, why do you call upon me again? We have enjoyed 100 years of peace. We should enjoy 100 more.”

Hannibal laughed. “You have enjoyed it because you have spent the time stealing what Carthage has earned in blood. You were warned once that this land belonged to Carthage and yet you ignored the warning. Byzantine cities are spring up like weeds. Well it is time for Carthage to pull those weeds. You should have learned a lesson from William of the Dutch and Xerxes of the Persians. Now you will need to learn the lesson of Gandhi of India and Mursillas of the Hittites!”

The ambassador left with his head low. He knew there was nothing to prevent Carthage from destroy his civilization save for the speed bump that was the Sumerians.

The first Byzantine target was the city of Naissus so carelessly founded just beyond the borders of the pi4t of Despair.

The first order of business was to clear the way of the worker band outside the city. This was left to the wounded Knights of the Seraphim. These slaves were the Byzantine07. This task accomplished it was left to the Ghost Knights to remove the . 14th Regiments of Comitatenses Spears from the city. The battle was well handled by the knights and the city fell without further incident, only a handful of knights were wounded in the exchange. All of the citizens were added to the fire of the city.

With the city cleared a foolish band of French swordsmen – 9th Sword Regiment of the French Foreign Legion – was exposed on the Hittite border guarding a caravan of settlers. This, of course, was intolerable and the veteran band of crusaders that traveled under the banner “Have Sword, Will Travel” or HSWT removed the wretched creatures. This further revealed the Hittite 21st 2Ps Longbow formation. This drew out the Silver Hawks to put an end to the threat to HSWT. This attack was successful but revealed even more enemy units, including the 19th 2Ps Longbows and another band of spears in service to the French Foreign Legion.

After clearing the area, a second fortress and barricade was created. This was to be the Toxic Fort, not because approaching it would be Toxic to the health of any invaders, which it would, but in honor to the great god, Toxicman007.

The Battle against the combined Sumerians and Byzantines was going well enough. Initially pushed back on their heels, the battle at Kummanni was settled with the arrival of The Regulators. The reformed 13th 4Ax Spear formation, bolstered by conscripts, was all that stood between Carthage and the city gates. Though they had blooded the Knights of Earth and Water, the Regulators were hardened, elite cavalrymen. The route of the 13th formation was complete and the city fell along with a flotilla of galleys dedicated to Mursilis. The Mursilis Marauders was scuttled in the bay, for the sailors of Carthage deemed the ship unworthy to sail in a bathtub let alone at sea. It was really nothing more than a floating coffin, fit to transport Romans and Mongols – whoever they were – but not Carthaginians.

Additional battles began to unravel the Byzantine gains in the west. The 39th Skirmishers covering a band of Byzantine settlers bound for the unclaimed sugar fields were the first Byzantine casualties of 1405AD. The Scourge of Amsterdam, now well rested, came across the group moving though the northern mountains on narrow hilly road. The height of the hills gave the archers a good view of the approaching cavalry and the archers bravely stood their grounds to give the settlers time to escape. Arrows took several men from the saddle but took a great toll in horses. The fate of the 39th, however, was sealed. Quickly closing the gap the Scourge reduce the usefulness of the archers’ bows and forced them to fight with their dirks. Finally the commanders surrendered to stop the slaughter. The settlers were rounded up and formed into the Byzantine08-09.

The next attack was upon the 16th Regiment of Comitatenses Spears. They, unfortunately, were also responsible for a band of Byzantine settlers. Phaedo’s Pride swept across the open plains into the spears as they tried to displace company by company while the settlers ran towards the safety of the city of Septum. The 16th Spears performed their retreat excellently, fending off the Pride. This was yet another disgrace for the Pride since their arrival upon the ESC. There were whispers that they might be cursed and men began to flee the ranks, reducing the Pride to the point that it was no longer combat effective. It would be years before a new command could be assembled.

The unfortunate (for the Byzantines) arrival of the Knights of Ni from the north put an end to the bravery of the 16th Spears. Unable to reorganize to meet this new threat the regiment broke apart as each company raced to the protection of the city. The abandoned settlers were claimed as slaves for Carthage and formed into the Byzatine10-11.

With the settlers and their escorts removed from the field the battle for Septum began.

The city was besieged by two separate forces of cavalry and all escape routes were blocked. The Northern force was comprised of 2500 cavalry and knights while the southern group included a command of 2600 cavalry and knights. The Byzantines could offer no more than the 4000 spearmen of the 21st Regiment of Comitatenses Spears

The Knights of Charlemagne were the first to the gates of the city for the 21st Regiment would not take the field. Passing through the victorious Knights of Ni, the Knights of Charlemagne easily passed into the city streets, fighting from building to building with the 21st Regiment. The city began to burn during the battle. Finally the spearmen were routed at the loss of only 50 men wounded and twice that dead. The fire made it impossible to impress the population into the service of Carthage so the Knights put the survivors to the sword. Their remarkable service earned them the laurels of an elite band along with a fresh company of 100 knights to make good some for their losses.

Further battle was pressed against Sumeria as well. A band of 2300 cavalry had come within striking distance of Kish; the city remained protected by nothing better than a rabble of Enkidu warriors with only the most basic of training – barely more than conscripts.

The Elite Cruel Knights claimed the honor of running off the Enkidu guardians of Kish. The open fields of Kish, which at first appeared to be a cavalry’s dream turned into a nightmare. A band if Enkidu had hidden themselves amongst the tall grass of the plains only to fall upon the Knights mid-column. It was only do to the hardened warriors and seasoned commanders that the band remained a cohesive fighting force capable of driving the Enkidu from the fields. Unfortunately their own strength was utterly spent and they could go no further.

The Knights in White Satin having taken a slightly different approach watched the fierce battle. The spurred their horses faster towards the city and when the Enkidu warriors made a countercharge blood soaked the open plains. The city was but a handbreadth away from Carthage’s grip. After nearly two hours of battle the Knights broke clear of the ambush and rushed into the city. A band of wheat farmers tried to escape but quickly surrenders. The city was put to the torch and the remainder of the population enslaved. 3 pieces of gold were captured and sent back to Carthage’s treasury as spoils of war. The slaves became Sumeria20-22.

Though unfortunate, the next declaration had to be against the nosy Chinese for sending a settler beyond the Carthaginian line of defense. The Chinese Ambassador was called up for the bad news. He arrived with thinly veiled agitation. Hannibal wondered what the cause of his annoyance could be, for Carthage had not, prior to this moment, done anything bad to the Chinese. It was not the fault of Carthage that China was a backward and rustic nation. And now they had dared send settlers towards Carthaginian lands? Greedy ESC nations!

“Hannibal of the Carthaginians, what would you have of might China with our great walls!” The Ambassador demanded.

Hannibal raised an eyebrow. “I thought the Americans built that ridiculous monstrosity?”

“Perhaps, Hannibal, but it was our concept and it took Chinese ingenuity to build!” The Ambassador said proudly.

“Are they aware that they build it in the wrong country?” Hannibal asked sweetly.

“Do not irk me, Hannibal. Say what you have come to say.” The Ambassador demanded.

Hannibal shrugged. So much for small talk. “I only bring this up, sir, because we Carthaginians like to build our own walls. You have noticed them as you and your settlers walked past them. Very unfortunate, that.”

“It is only unfortunately that your gods do not have the endless appetite of you mother! They will not let you gobble up land as your mother gobbles up men and food! This is Carthage’s loss. China will not be bound by such things.” The Ambassador smirked.

Hannibal shook his head. “I had hoped we could come to an understanding but I see you only wish to die. So be it.”

“Yeah, Sure, Whatever.” The Ambassador said dismissively.

And thus there was war between Carthage and China.

“Great lord, just remember that China could be a dangerous enemy. They have knowledge of Chivalry, horses and iron.” The Military Advisor warned. “They can train fierce units known as riders. Their small size makes it unlikely there will be many of them, but we should be vigilant. They are very mobile.”

The Chinese had a military system that was recognized by the Carthaginian commanders though it was very aggravating. The 33rd People’s Spearmen faced the Lances of Steel and The Hessian Company across an open field. The match was completely imbalanced and the Hessians dispensed with the Chinese spearmen without a scratch, taking the first Chinese slaves, China01-02. The Hessians escorted the new slaves to the pi4t of Despair.

The Final Declaration of War was, by necessity, against Henry of Portugal. This was a rather comical to the Carthaginian advisors. The Ambassador did not seem to understand what DECLARATION OF WAR meant. The Military Advisor tried to explain it but it was no use.

This unfortunate step was necessary because Henry was not only blocking the movements of OMIA but they were also moving settlers to claim lands that belonged to Carthage!

OMAI easily swept aside the Portuguese 101st Infantry Regiment of Spears and the 52nd Lancer Regiment of Horsemen. They suffered but minor loses and wounded and captured the Portuguese01-04 slave bands.

Simultaneously the Hittites had determined that the city of some ‘M’ named own only required the protection of the 22nd 2Ps Longbows for defense.

POP’s Elite Rangers enlightened Mursilis’ military advisor by destroying the city before they could even learn its name and capturing a band of horse ranchers and 1 piece of gold from the city vaults. The workers became the Hittite18. For good measure they also destroyed the People’s 53rd Medieval Infantry of China.

Thus closed the years of 1405ADand leading to 1410AD. It was with great sorrow that word of the demise of the Silver Hawks was reported to the People of Carthage. Foolishly overextended and unsupported, the elite band of cavalry was destroyed by the 19th 2Ps Longbows at extreme range. The wounded cavalrymen were unable to outrun to rain of arrows, ending a long and distinguished career.

In other news, the Hittites had sent visitors to keep Caseboy97’s Asylum company, founding the city of Samuha. This was the height of foolishness!

The removal of this blight would be Carthage’s primary goal for future operations.

The newly minted Hanged Knights – of this band was comprised of men condemned to death for a variety of violent crimes that were, instead, gathered into this band to fight for Carthage – were routed to unfortunate Samuha in coordination with the horsemen of the Izmalis and the Worms, both elite bands.

On the ESC. OMIA continued to pillage its way back to the Carthaginian LZ, destroying Hittite sources of fur and collapsing a mine before sending his growing band of slave workers towards POP’s Elite Rangers for escort duty. POP’s Elite Rangers marveled as China sent a band of brave settlers away on its own while the People’s 10th Spear moves a second band onto a nearby mountain where the people could not possibility build a town.

Unable to understand the logic, the Rangers simply scooped up the Chinese03-04 workers.

On the western front of the ESC things were still progressing. The 29th Regiments of Comitatenses Spears firmly held the hill town of Dyrrachium. The Knights of Cold Steel easily dispatched the defenders and destroyed the sparsely inhabited city. A second problem, however, had surfaced. The annoying French had landed a band of settlers along with the 10th Spear Regiment of the French Foreign Legion. The only unit with range to attack were the wounded Regulators. Never the less, the Regulators made the attack, claiming the French09-10 work bands.

The approach of Carthage’s forces caused great panic in the area of Kutah. The workers and the iron mines, unable to escape, fled into the mines hoping to make a last stand against the better armed and armored cavalry. The Iron Lances chose not to give battle, setting fire to the timber support and sealing the workers in the depths of the mines, thereby depriving Sumeria of its only source of iron and its skilled workers. This grisly work done, the combined cavalry marked on Kutha, the far west (left) of the Sumerian front.

Unfortunately the move was not fast enough. The first ‘organized’ band of Sumerian warriors finally appeared – a band of Knights that called themselves the Death Lances. Carthage would test their strength and advanced four bands of heavy cavalry to intercept. Sumeria was almost finished.

While it had been a long time since Carthage had bothered to trade with its neighbors the Trade Advisor finally approached Hannibal. “Great leader of the Carthaginians, it would seem there is a trade opportunity possible with Gandhi of India.”

Hannibal was surprised. “I thought I killed their ambassador? What are they doing back here?”

The Trade Advisor shrugged her shoulders. “I think they are our personal whipping boys for the duration, Lord Hannibal. I suggest we take advantage of their weakness. Gandhi is willing to give us all of India’s 37 pieces of gold and tribute of 6 gold over the course of 20 budget cycles - for a total of 157 pieces of gold – for the useless knowledge of the printing press. I think we should do this. Oh, and they’ll pitch in their world map for toilet paper.”

“Toilet Paper? What is that?” Hannibal asked with curiosity.

“Umm . . it is used to wipe you rear after you use the restroom, Great Hannibal.” The Trade Advisor explained.

“What is a restroom?” Hannibal asked, even more curious.

“Umm. . . It is where you loosen your bowls, Lord Hannibal.” The Trade Advisor clarified, uncomfortable.

“There is a room for that? It thought that was why we had those bushes planted outside!” Hannibal fumed. For there were no restrooms yet built in the palace. Hannibal quickly dismissed the Trade Advisor to make the deal with Gandhi while he wondered how long the people of Carthage had known of restrooms without telling him!

“Don’t forget to bring me the toilet paper!” He shouted after her.

Before the close of 1410AD good news reached Carthage. The Death Lances foolishly charged the Death Lances and found death only for themselves. The better armored knights showed good spirit, something that the warriors of Carthage had to admit was annoying common to the men of Sumeria even if their commanders wasted their talents in pointless battles. At the end of the day as many Carthaginians lay wounded as Sumerians only the men of Carthage would have time to rest and restore their strength. For the Death Lances there was only the sword. Even so a handful of prisoners that surrendered were sent back to Carthage. Perhaps the Death Lances could be resurrected under the flag of Carthage.

But the ‘toilet paper’ of India had been good for something (other than wiping Hannibal’s rear end). It gave a better view of the Sumeria and revealed its exposed capital of Ur.

More amazing news came that the Netherlands had actually managed to build a boat and put a settler upon it! The Dutch were once more going to grow more annoying.

All available Carthaginian units on the western ESC converged on Ur. Save for the western force poised to take Kutha and ensure that the Sumerians would never recover their iron mines. The Iron Lances* took the first attack against the meager Enkidu warriors guarding the city. Simultaneous the Black Guad* swept to the southeast to prevent any retreat and eliminate the city reserves. The attack was perfect though the lead elements of the Carthaginian units suffered significant damage. The city was destroyed and the citizens formed into the Sumeria23 band. The destruction of the city also revealed a passing Byzantine Dromon, the terror of the seas, at least for their own ships.

To the east of the Carthaginian LZ Old Man Iron placed his slaves under the escort of POP’s Elite Rangers. Freed of this responsibility, the Old Man ordered his army to cause much havoc upon the lands of the Hittites and the various invaders. OMIA pillaged many irrigated farms, destroyed the 76th HCh chariot formation and the 66th 2Ps Longbows upon a hill.

Along the defensive line, the batteries moved to the Toxic Fort began to fire on the 23rd Spear Regiment of the French Foreign Legion and the 19th 2Ps Longbows formation (Hittite). To everyone’s amazement all of the batteries were successful and the 23rd spears were reduced to 33% of their combat effectiveness while the 19th 2Ps, already wounded from their battle with the Silver Hawks were reduced to 50%. A third band of invaders – the 26th 2Ps Longbow formation was between the pi4t of Despair and the Toxic Fort.

The Knights of Earth eliminated the 19th Spears and captured the French11-12 work bands, returning them to the Toxic Fort without any harm to themselves. The Hessian Company eliminated the 26th 2Ps Longbows, suffering minor wounds but gaining the praise deserved of an elite band. Finally the Knights of the Seraphim overran the 19th 2Ps by sallying out of the Toxic Fort. Once more the battle was lopsided and no wounds were inflicted upon the defenders.

For the first time the war had come to the mainland from the ESC. The Hittites had only just settled on to the plains when the fierce units of Carthage attacked. The Izmalis were first into battle against the 45th HCh chariot formation. This was a ‘primer’ unit of the Hittites, formidable in combat and on the defense. The Izmalis didn’t care. The chariots of the 45th cracked open as if they were made of eggshells. When the dust cleared a new formation of Hittites, the 49th 4Ax Spear formation lead by Mursilis’ own brother-in-law Hantili. The 49th Spears proved more formidable than the chariots but in the end they too were destroyed by the Worms. Severely wounded the Worms could not give chase to Hantili as he ran away, fleeing back to the coast to board the Hittite ship and return to the ESC.

 

[Raliuven]

Part 2

Spoiler :

1415AD was generally considered by the people of Carthage to be a good year. 1420AD began a little more worrisome. The American 3rd Regiment of Philadelphian Knights, which were part of the 3st Division, 2st Corps of the Army of the Potomac had charged across the open plain towards the pi4t of Despair and a group of Chinese settlers had slipped by to create a nuisance by the LZ. Otherwise, things were looking up. The Sumerians were almost down and their capital was about to fall. The Byzantines would be easy to carve up once the Sumerians were out of the way. Then the full force of Carthage could be sent against the eastern ESC (the far east?).

POP’s Elite Rangers immediately overran the People’s 9th Horsemen can captured 2 new bands of slaves – China05-06. OMIA continued is pillaging, destroying several mining operations in the hills outside of Hattusas before overrunning the 4th Sword Regiment of the French Foreign Legion, pillaging a sugar plantation and finally destroying the 24th 2Ps Longbows formation (Hittite) outside of Hubishna.

The catapult batteries moved out of the Toxic Fort and began to bombard the American 3rd Regiment but did little damage. It was left for the Red Devils, a veteran band of knights, to finish, only it was the Red Devil, in their first combat, that were finished. This was a horrible blow to the defenders of the pi4t of Despair. Finally the Maggot Makers finished the attack but only after sustaining wounds to nearly a third of its men. These kinds of loses simply could not be maintained if Carthage desired victory.

The first significant battle of 1420AD was at Ur. The Carthaginian armies were poised before the city, ready to attack. Less than 10,000 Enkidu warriors could be gathered for the defense of the city, a sad showing indeed. The warriors did, however, have the benefits of a hardened position – Ur was a major city and it had strong walls. Unfortunately the city was also constructed upon the open plains, perfect land for a cavalry charge. Aabraxan demaned the rights of the first charge. This would be followed by all of his companies – the Knights of the Chalice, The Knights of the White Mountain and The Dark Brotehrhood; 2400 men in all. If their assaults failed, another 1500 cavalry were closing from the west, The Harding Knights, The Outriders and The Seekers. Even more units were stacked up beyond them but they could not enter the battle. Yet.

Aabraxan’s charge was a flawless military victory, scattering over 4,000 Sumerian warriors to the winds while the Knights of the Chalice of the Chalice, in their cups, bungled their attack but managed to route 3,000 more men while losing half of their own strength. The Knights of the White Mountain, while not flawless, performed admirably, sending another 3,000 men from the walls. The city was on the edge of falling but Gilgamesh himself turned around the fleeing warriors through sheer force of gold, promising riches to his fighting men if they would stand with him.

The Carthaginian warriors knew this to be a lie – all of the treasuries they had sacked contained few, if any, coins. It would be hard for Gilgamesh to pay his men in imaginary gold but the current problem was the men that had turned once more to fight.

The Dark Brotherhood was left to give battle. The charge was a mess with the Enkidu warriors fighting fiercely for Mursilis – or at least for his gold. This required that the remaining companies in the west join the attack. The Harding Knights, seeing the collapse of the Dark Brotherhood, drove hard on the remaining warriors in a pincer move. Although the Dark Brotherhood were already falling back, the timing was perfect. With only a few Carthaginians wounded, the remaining Enkidu warriors were broken and the city fell.

The mightiest Hittite city was razed, its people enslaved and its treasury of 5 gold pieces seized as spoils of war.

Elsewhere, a band of brigand Sumerian longbows had slipped through to examine the damage to the iron mines but their movement was spotted by the Knights of Ni. While the longbowmen prepared to rain arrows into the healing ranks of the Iron Lances and the Black Guard, the Knights fell upon the archers. Though the charge was difficult and uphill, the surprise was complete and the Sumerians were caught before they knew what was happening. The leaders were beheaded and their men hung as bandits.

Their rear and flanks covered, the remaining `1400 men pushed onto Bad-tibira. The destruction of this city would be nail in the Sumerian coffin. The city was well fortified with walls and situated on a hill. The Enkidu warriors wisely remained behind the walls, forcing the cavalry to skirmish with its pickets before dismounting and attempting to scale the walls – an unnerving proposition as the city was protected by 6,000 of the savage bastards. Never willing to shy away, the elite Dark Knights struck and overran the skirmishers so fast the remaining defenders had little time to react. Much of the scavenged provisions, intended to feed the garrison of the city, fell into Carthaginian hands. It was once more left to Day’s men to do the hard work. The gates closing, Day forced his men to attack and the entire city trembled at the pounding of hooves. More than a 1,000 of the warriors perished in the fight but Day’s command was shattered. Only scraps managed to escape.

The Knights of Night were close behind, however and, seeing the retreat, did not hesitate to fill the void. The siege, however, ended in defeat with more Carthaginian dead at the gates of the city. The Carthaginians had to retreat, for now.

By 1425AD the fighting had become a lull while forces gathered and healed. POP’s Elite Rangers, still escorting the slave convoy, pillaged another Hittite mining community before moving towards the wandering Chinese settlers. OMAI destroyed the 39th 2Ps Longbows formation and moved to cover the Carthaginian Line of Death (LoD) and heal.

There was no counter attack by either the Byzantines or the Sumerians which was a good sign. Carthage had the initiative – and the force – to finish the fight.

On the mainland, containment of the Netherlanders had finally failed and a new war was brewing to keep them contained. Once their new settler found a home, Groningen would be destroyed and the Dutch would need to start over again.

It was the glorious year of 1430AD when the great Cathedral of Sparthage was constructed at Caseboy97’s Asylum. It came complete with a pirate ship water ride!

It was a steal at twice the price! The people of Carthage and rejoiced at the creation and there was great entertainment to be had on the water ride. New songs began to reverberate in its grand halls almost immediately, including the most insidious tune yet know to man. When Hannibal heard it he gritted his teeth. If the world had been a bit smaller it would not have been so difficult to conquer!

The annoying Chinese settler had founded the city of Anyang in the middle of Carthage’s offensive and guarded it smartly with the People’s 16th Spear Formation. Pop’s Elite Rangers overran the city hardly without noticing it. There were now so many ruins littering the northern edge of the continent that realty values were beginning to plummet.

Carthage was on the move again – 3100 men, mostly heavy cavalry with a few knights, advanced on Zabalam, the new Sumerian Capital. At the same time a center advance was forming from 3500 heavy cavalry while the western wing was stalled and healing. The core of this group was 3500 heavy cavalry and 1300 knights, though currently many of the units were healing – only 1700 cavalry and 500 knights were able to advance. Rather than move piecemeal against Bad-tibira again, Hannibal decided to give them more time to heal so they could move in a coordinated manner. Finally a reserve was formed of 1600 cavalry and 400 knights – these would cover the new road being constructed though the center of the eastern continent. They would also be turned against the newly founded Byzantine city of Nicomedia.

The 23rd and 28th Sword Regiments of the French Foreign Legion approached the LoD in 1435AD. This was pure folly – the LoD was now complete. The third fortification, the Tusked Fortress was complete and all of the castles were now well fortified with heavily entrenched units. It was near impregnable now without a large, concentrated drive by Carthage’s enemies.

The batteries of the Toxic Fort began the bombardment immediately but with only mild results, wounding the 28th Regiment. The Left Boot of templar_x, at home it its fortifications ,slipped our of sally ports in the confusion of the bombardment. The 23rd Regiment, moving to assist their wounded comrades, were caught by the crusaders and driven from the field but not before inflicting serious wounds on the crusaders. The Left Boot withdrew to the fortress to heal. The 28th Regiment, now exposed, was fodder for the Knights of Earth. The knights overran their position and they, along with the remnants of the 23rd that had fallen back to their position, were destroyed. Two more battle pendants of the French Foreign Legion were sent to ComandoBob’s Pentagram in New Hannibalopolis. The people of Carthage rejoiced.

This was not the biggest victory for Carthage, however. Carthage’s armies were outside the city of Zabalam, a city with over a half of million inhabitants. Unfortunately for the Sumarians the city was build upon an open plain and the best defenders they could present to the advancing Carthaginians were more Enkidu warriors, the same men that had failed time and again to stop the death machine set loose by Hannibal.

The commanders expected a tough fight. Accordingly the Krondorian Lancers took the lead on the attack. The initial assault was rough. The Enkidu had flooded the fields before the city making a charge difficult. Many of the Lancers were rendered ineffective by lamed mounts. The skirmishers were uprooted, however, and forced back behind the city defenses.

Aabraxan’s Honor Guard passed through the ranks of Carthaginians for the next attack. Striking with their renown skill, the Guard stormed the walls and opened the gates, driving more than 2,500 warriors from their fortification for the price of only 30 dead and twice that in wounded.

The path cleared, the knights led by Harding made the final assault. Once more Carthage was victorious, the knights leaving behind 200 dead or wounded to the destroyed remaining garrison of 3,500 men. The city was quickly put to the torch and its people gathered in four new slave bands, Sumeria27-30.

Believing all units to be secure, the Carthaginian commanders were surprised with a Sumerian band of Knights – the Knights that Road Horses with No Names charged out of the fog and ambushed the Knights of the White Mountain. In a stunning display of courage and brilliance the commander of the Knights rallied his men against these no-named horsemen. After the initial clash the initiative changed to Carthage and the Sumerian Knights were routed from the field. It took several weeks to hunt down the survivors but the band was effectively finished.

1440AD mostly involved units moving into position. There many actions were the massing of cavalry and knights in the reserve in preparation for a mobilization against Nicomedia.

The single shining moment of 1440AD was the Declaration of War against Hannibal’s old friend William of the Netherlands. His presumptuous expansion was cause for concern. William once more needed to be ‘schooled’.

The Dutch 1st (reformed) archers were fodder for The Knights of the Order of the Oak. For the first time in many years (thousands of years?) new Dutch slaves were added to the ranks of Carthage’s servants. The Dutch08-09 were formed. The Knights of Saint George were sent to finish off Groningen and then Carthage would await the founding of the new Dutch city.

In 1445 AD Henry of the Portuguese send his ambassador to explain his vision of how peace could be attained between the two warring enemies.

Needless to say, his vision of peace did not match that of Carthage. Hannibal sent the Ambassador on his way though did not overly mistreat the man. He would need him later.

Just as foolish the Americans dropped off a band of settlers right outside the LoD and in range of both of Carthage’s armies. :crazyeyes:

Several Sumerian units rushed around the field but none dared to attack. A band of knights, the Green Veins and a rank of longbows, the Viper’s Nest, had shuffled around but done nothing. Although there was nothing that Sumeria could do to stop Carthage, it could at least have tried to cause some pain. Now the initiative was back in the hands of Carthage.

Sumer, the new capital of Sumeria was pinched between two Carthaginian forces – the western force comprised of 2300 heavy cavalry and the eastern band of 1500 heavy cavalry and 500 knights. The defenders numbered 12,000 Enkidu warriors. The full strength of the Western cavalry crashed down on the city.

The Tusks of Justice* suffered a horrible defeat, driven from the city walls by the ragged Enkidu warriors. Shouts of ridicule followed them as they were forced back to the supply camp. The Shadow Knights suffered similar losses against the defenders but finally pushed through to reach the outskirts of the city. Mursilis’ brother, Hantili, was once more at work, impressing every able bodied man to the defense of the city. If Sumer fell, it would be the end of Sumeria.

It was clear that the western column could not win alone. The Knights of Cold Steel charged from their formation in the east, hoping to draw out the defenders and give the other companies a chance to strike the killing blow. The ploy worked well – 3,000 Enkidu were caught in the open and slain – Carthaginian losses were relatively light, only 50 men.

The pressure continued from the east with the Knights of Fire following the success of Cold Steel. This time the Carthaginian losses were complete. The Knights failed to withdraw at crucial moment, certain they cold break the defenses. By the time they realized the tide was against them, they could not escape the trap. The Outriders attacked, trying to give them room to escape but it was too late. Though they broke through the company had ceased to have any meaningful structure. The Outriders accepted the survivors into their band, becoming an elite unit in the process.

Finally the Seekes, seeing the city in shambles, committed their forces to the attack. The remaining defenders were routed into the city to be enslaved with the population, becoming nothing more than slaves – the Sumeria32-34.

The final humiliation, however, was the coordinated attack against Bad-tibira. The Iron Lances took the lead as was their right. The other companies praised their bravery because the fight would be difficult – many men had already died trying to take the city. The defenders – 9,000 Enkidu shouted insults at the approaching cavalrymen, reminding them what had happened the last time they attempted to take the city.

After suffering under a hail of arrows from a well concealed band of longbows, the Iron Lances closed the distance to the skirmishing Enkidu warriors and routed them back into the city, clearing an elevated path to the city walls. The Dark Knights, seeing an opportunity, charged the gates before they could be secured. A great press was put on the frail wood and it shattered. The reports to Hannibal described a great battle – many Carthaginians laid down their lives but many more Sumerians did the same. The Knights of Charlemagne broke the final ranks of defenders allowing the Knights of Ni to pour into the city and crush the rank of longbows that had grievously wounded the Iron lances.

When the city fell 5 bands of workers that had been assigned to mine the salts found in the nearby hills were captured and immediately impressed into service. Burning the city and gathering the survivors resulted in 3 more bands of slaves for a total of 8 new slave bands! These formed the Sumeria35-42.

With Bad-tibira and Sumer left the Green Veins, a regular band of Sumerian Knights vulnerable to attack. In turn, they were in reach of several possible targets. It was decided that Carthage would chose the battle and not allow the Sumerian Knights the advantage of a surprise attack – the Knights of Ni were particularly vulnerable after their successful attack on Bad-tibira.

The Jagged Knights were selected for the attack upon the Grey Veins. Crossing the Sumer River, the Knights attacked. Forging the river was not easy, however, and the Grey Veins were able to organize as they crossed but it was not enough to save them. The Jagged Knights suffered lower than expected casualties, less than 10% dead and thrice that in wounded. They would be on the move again in short order.

The final effective combat formation for the Sumerians was the Viper’s Nest, regular longbowmen the had moved out of Sumer before its demise. The Knights of the Chalice were next in the order of battle. The unfortunate Vipers were caught on the open plains. The bowmen simply threw down their bows and surrendered. Their battle flag was sent to CommandoBob’s priest for display in his pentagon. The men were allowed to disperse so long as they did not return to the Sumerian ranks.

Units began to gather, preparing for the thrust against Nicomedia (Byzantine), Nicaea (Byzantine) and Umma (Sumerian). All told there were 30 mixed heavy cavalry and knights fighting in the western ESC.

In the East the Carthaginians were holding the LoD. The batteries from the line moved under the cover of POP’s Rangers to bombard the 17th Regiment of Philadelphian Muskets, which were part of the 2st Division, 5th Corps of the Army of the Potomac. The catapults did little damage to the Musket but it did break the continuity of their lines enough for OMAI to strike. The Knights suffered heavy damage but the line finally buckled and America11-12 slaves were claimed as the prize.

OMAI also ran down the Hittite 51st 2Ps longbow formation in the nearby woods. POP’s Elite Rangers, covering the catapult batteries, remained in position to heal and observe the troop movements.

On the mainland the attack against the Dutch continued. The Knights of Saint George assaulted the city of Groningen protected by the Dutch 5th Spears, a Home Guard regiment personally lead by William. In a feat of bravery, the Knights were flawlessly routed from the field and sent in retreat across the open tundra. The newly formed Summer Knights and Fright Knights were sent to assist with the assault.

1445AD was also the year that Carthage engaged a great naval battle with the Chinese. The curraghs of ICS Aabraxan’s Charge CU-02 watched as a Chinese fleet of galleys closed with the galleys of ICS Kyoto’s Destruction G-01. The battle was intense and for a moment the captain of the Charge was certain that the Destruction would win out. A sudden shift in the wind fouled the Carthaginian fleet, however, and the Chinese warships carried the day. The Captain of the curraghs of ICS Aabraxan’s Charge CU_02 decided to attack the limping Chinese fleet. The ships of the Charge were set to be scuttled anyway and this was preferable to simply sinking the ships.

Once more a fierce naval battle erupted and the wreckage was widespread. By nightfall the Chinese fleet was aflame. The few survivors surrendered and the Captain of the Charge and its escorts added the prizes to their own ships to restore some of their losses. Even so the Captain was realistic. The next battle would probably be their last.

With news of the sinking of the Destruction a new ship was ordered in New Crobuzon. The stock of ships still numbered fifteen, so the Sparthaginian navy was still of sufficient strength to please the god Sparthage.

The foolish Chinese galleys had disembarked the People’s 92nd Horsemen and a small band of settlers by the spices that lay in the shadow of the LoD. Unfortunately for them, the Trolls, a veteran band of knights, had also just landed and were already organized into their ranks for combat. The Trolls opened the battles on the ESC in 1450AD by flawlessly overrunning the 92nd Horsemen, claiming two new bands of slaves, Chinese07-08, and earning their respect of an elite band for their expert landing, reorganization, charge and the capture of the slaves.

The catapult batteries opened on one of the three Hititte longbows advancing on the LoD. The Hittite 37th, 44th and 62nd 2Ps Longbow formations had converged on the Carthaginian forces but had failed to coordinate the attack. The 51st Longbow formation had already been destroyed the OMAI. Now the 37th had suffered 50% casualties just coming on line.

Have Sword, Will Travel traveled the roads constructed before the LoD to attack the 44th Longbows. Aside from defensive fire from the 62nd, which was heavier than expected, the attack was perfect. The 44th formation was quickly routed from the open plains, making way for the final attack on the 62nd. The Knights of Seraphim, moving under the cover of the dust kicked up by the combat between HSWT & the 44th formation, fell upon the 62nd formation. The surprise was complete and the longbowmen were slaughtered. The surprise attack gained recognition for the knights and they were awarded recognition as an elite band.

Finally the Ghost Knights sallied out of the Toxic Fort to remove the 37th formation from the field. While the attack was not as prefect, the job was complete and all of Carthage’s new units were eliminated.

The next ‘necessary’ move was to advancing on the Hittite cities. POP’s Elite Rangers started the move towards Hubishna to remove the city once and for all and to give Carthage’s units some movement along the LoD. POP’s Rangers were joined by 800 knights formed in two companies and 1,200 heavy cavalry, also formed in two companies. The LoD was still well fortified with 8,700 crusaders, 500 heavy cavalry, 1400 knights and the 3 batteries of the Toxic Fort. OMIA was also healing nearby – 1,800 knights strong when at full strength. In addition, 1,200 more crusaders and 400 more knights would be landing in the next 5 years.

In the west the attack on Nicomedia commenced. The 19th and 32nd Regiments of Comitatenses Spears had been busy digging trenches around the city but the fortification posed little problem for the amassed cavalry and knights. The Byzantines under the direct command of the military governor of Nicomedia numbered 7,000 men. They faced 1,600 heavy cavalry and 1,200 knights.

The Knights of The Gray Guard moved into position across the open plains as the spearmen shuffled. The defenders began to form up as the knights charged but in less than an hour the Gray Guard had routed 5,000 men from their hastily formed Phalanx. The survivors fled back to the trench work. The Gray Guard had been sapped of 50% of its combat strength and could not pursue.

The Knights of Swift Hooves took advantage of the chaos and watched as the remaining 2,000 men that had swelled to 3,000 men as some of the routed 19th Spears joined the 32nd Spears. The Knights overran their position suffering only a handful of wounds.

To their great surprise the city coffers were found to have 2 pieces of gold and, even better, a fleet of Byzantine Dromons were caught in the harbor. The city and the ships were set afire, the Dromon’s bursting into flame from their ‘dreaded’ greek fire.

The victory was so complete that the remaining holding units were sent to join other forces gathering in the south.

A new force was gathered and sent towards Umma – 500 knights and 2,300 heavy cavalry. The probing scouts reported a band of Sumerian knights encamped just outside the town – 300 men strong with a banner of a black eagle.

 

[Toxicman007]

Oh good, an update! Although, I noticed that Mursilis was defending Ur. He's the leader of the Hittites, maybe you mean Gilgamesh? Thanks for the Fort, by the way.

 

[Sparthage]

Sparthage demands blood. One slave of each foreign nationality must be sacrificed in retaliation for the sinking of the Kyoto's Destruction.

 

[clearmurky]

PoP's Elite Ranges are holy! They have a crusader!

 

[CommandoBob]

Sparthage demands blood. One slave of each foreign nationality must be sacrificed in retaliation for the sinking of the Kyoto's Destruction.

Slightly modifiying to this (if acceptable to Sparthage):

These shall be slaves from each nation Carthage was at war with with the Kyoto's Destruction was sunk. After all, it was their fault.

Adding to Sparthage's order:

These shall be the 01 slaves of each nation.
They shall be sacrificed in the capital, all on one turn.

Optional: Include the worthless ambassdors of each these civs in the sacrfice.


Maybe there were special priests of Sparthage aboard Kyoto's Destruction?

 

[Raliuven]

Oh good, an update! Although, I noticed that Mursilis was defending Ur. He's the leader of the Hittites, maybe you mean Gilgamesh? Thanks for the Fort, by the way.

Oops, I thought I made that mistake somewhere and I couldn't find it. Gilgamesh was wearing his Mursilis suit that day?

Thanks for the support!

I actually had a lot of time to play in the last day so I ran WAY ahead with the story. Both good news and bad news. Good news, I'll be putting up a post probably every day for the next couple of days. Bad news, the latest round of orders will be factored in a bit late. But Hannibal shall complete them without fail!

PoP's Elite Ranges are holy! They have a crusader!

Indeed they are holy and though I short hand them a lot, I have recently made a point of their worship to their god.

And now for a little mystery:

The Dream

Spoiler :

Hannibal slept fitfully. The burdens of state rested heavy upon him and he did not know if he had the strength to lead the Carthaginian people to final victory. America and the Mayans loomed over Carthage like a great shadow. Hannibal knew that something had to be done about these great nations but also knew that he would need more power to cripple them – but where to gain the power?

When sleep finally overtook him it was a restless sleep. Hannibal could hear a voice calling to him, giving him instructions but he could not understand what was being said. The words burned into his mind a image, however, a portent of the future.

See my will, Hannibal, for you shall live to see this if it takes 10,000 years. It is your destiny.

Hannibal saw a great plain stretching before him. All the land was frozen, locked in snow, white and glistening.

And on this plain he saw four cities and four great – or at least once great – nations. Hannibal recognized them, for they were old enemies of Carthage. William of the Dutch, Xerxes of the Persians, Gilgamesh of the Sumerians, and Theodora of the Byzantines were all there. These great nations lay at the mercy of Carthage – in his heart Hannibal knew that all the other nations of the world had been laid low by Carthage, a mere memory and nothing more.

This made him happy, for it meant the Americans and Mayans were dead.

Focus.

The Voice was searing its words into his mind again.

The cities were laid out is a specific pattern, all around a central location – a location of great importance. For at the center of this land lay a hungry monster made of fire that wished to consume the cities if only it was unleashed.

The terrible beast thrashed at its chains. Then Hannibal saw something that amazed him. A bird of fire soared down from its lofty perch, dropping into the maw of the hungry monster. This was all it took. The land was bathed in fire that was brighter than the sun. The snow melted and the cities of Carthage’s enemies burned.

Hannibal’s heart soared as well. What a grand vision! But what did it mean?

Remember. This is my command.

The voice crushed into Hannibal’s mind. Hannibal, flailing, looked upon the speaker, given only a glimpse of divine power. The man had the girth of one that carried the glory of a god; such a thing could not be mistaken. And his eyes were shaded, for the future of Carthage was so bright that his eyes needed such protection.

This is my command. Go forth and do my will!

When Hannibal awoke he knew he had been touched by a god. He was to do the god’s bidding . . . if only he could figure out what it meant!

 

[Toxicman007]

A small amendment to the Ironclad in Spain order:

The Ironclad involved in the invasion of Spain must be the only Ironclad ever built.