Askia the Brute: Conquest of Iberia
Askia thought long and hard, Rome was a foothold in Europe but Agustus had as much hold on his former capital as Isabella had. No, he would not make that same mistake, so he began a slow troop buildup, utilizing the City of Hannibal and Gao. Catapults/Swords/War Elephants.
As Civil Service was researched to unlock Macemen, Askia sought temporary Allies
Askia adopted Hinduism, creating a Middle eastern/African Alliance versus much of Europe.
Distant leaders continue to be discovered.
And soon some tech trading became available.
FINALLY
Unlocking MAcemen.
Research options were
Askia decided to research Engineering for pikes, trebs, and potentially castles if he ever got arround to building any walls.
At this point Askia dropped the Science slider to 0% and made a fire sale on Literature and Drama for gold.
Meanwhile, more trades are made
And Askia swaps out civics
Songhai is now producing some well promoted troops.
In a mere few turns Askia has plenty of excess gold
And a fast upgrade is made for his veteran swordmen.
On top of that, a Great Merchant is born
Which is sent off to Arabia on a trade mission netting nearly 2000 gold.
Still, additional tech trades were made
And Askia's war-machine is sent westward to liberate Isabella. Hannibal was proud of his mighty War Elephants and Agustus had many words of wisdom in how the new lands could be held.
Joao is given the bad news
Portugal produced no resistance, Askia lost nothing in the Iberian War.
War was fast, maces destroyed the defending Longbows. Joao was brought to face Askia, most assumed the Portugese leader was a dead man and wagers were made on his method of executions.
However, Askia smiled, wispered something into Joao's ear that started the Portugese leader uncontrolably laughing and the former Spanish Queen Blushing yet not displeased.
Askia turned serious and led Joao to his former Palace's window which faced west. The leaders talked, no longer enemies but with a common goal. Soon the deal was struck, Lisbon is to be renamed Port Joao and designated the naval production city of the Songhai empire once the locals were placated.
Askia left to review the status of the Songhai Empire but took a small detour to the City of Isabella to catch up on "business".
So while Askia is giving his COncubine a workout, let's review where to go next.
The Map of the Iberian area
Shows a heavy culture pressure on Rome, Agustus will need reinforcements soon to prevent any further revolts.
The cities continue to emphasize Military
As Askia reviews the tech situation
And a review of the Songhai empire
So where to go next?
Looks like either Charlemagne and his German overlord or DeGaulle and the Chinese.
Then again perhaps a daring naval assault on the northern wenches, Askia seams to tire of Isabella.
... after France i'd proberly go expand the Harem on the Brittish Isles
