Askia The Brute: Discovering the Fate of Justinian and the BUILDUP
Askia pondered the question on his mind. No, not who to subjegate next, nor what method of death and destruction to research. But the fate of the missing Byzantine emperor, rumors say he never existed and that he was actually only an extension of the Roman empire. But Askia had his doubts, and looking across the Bosperous and Dardenells he had a suspicion.
But to move on he did need to build the empire towards a modern war, Industrialism and Artillery were the next technologies to be researched as the cities focused on producing hammers.
Agustus and Rome stepped up to take the lead in military by building West Point
Followed closely by DeGaulle's The Gaul with it's mighty IronWorks and the City of Germania of Bismark where the Heroic Epic was built. Stalin was forgotten about but built a satisfactory wall of protection in the endless tracks called Russia.
After another visit to the Celtic Queen, the decision was made to put her in charge of naval production from the British isles as the Ice Witch on Icelandia was forgotten about.
Isabella and Joao were neglected as the sub-continent of Iberia provided little help in production. Over time Isabella and Joao developed a great working relationship that blossumed into a romatic one. While Askia is a Brute, he does have a sentimental side and left the two basically alone as the Celtic Wench was more woman than he needed, particularly since she has a new job of Admiral.
Hannibal was left to military matters on the home African continent. Slow and steady.
Willem the Silent and Pericles were simply tasked with bringing in commerce from their former port capitals.
It was this efficiency of the Songhai operations that drew Askia into the Lore of the lost leader named Justinian. Some called it Archeaology, but that is from another time (and another game).
Oh, and what of Charlemagne? He was left to all matters religious which meant dealing with the AP
Before Askia could tell him vote no, war was declared against the Aztecs. Askia was furious at the Holy Roman as Charles pleaded his case about the Blasphemous practices of the Aztecs. Askia shook his head, visited Boudica again, and ignored the other Hemisphere.
Soon
Most important cities were already powered so construction of tanks/marines/battleships were underway
Suddenly all the advisors to Songhai (those defeated leaders) heard Askia yell
AHA!
Apparently no one could talk the Brute out of this, war was immediately declared on the Ottomans
which of course resulted in another war declaration against Mao. Why Asia continued to back these week European Nations was beyond Askia's understanding.
The Mighty Khan heard news of the Songhai declaration of War against China, misunderstanding it as a campaign against the Chinese/Khmer Alliance. Still Askia got the respect and friendship of the Mighty Khan
Askia and Genghis make a pact to kill each other last, or at least until the first readily available backstab opportunity.
Askia was reminded of one issue
Charlemagne was quite upset at the peace treaty but Askia told him to shut up before Songhai starts adopting the Aztecia Human Sacrifice practices starting with Holy Rome. Charles backed down then.
However, more religious matters requiring Charlemagne's attention sprung up
Unfortunately the vote did not go as planned.
Askia shrugged not caring and Charlemagne was distraught for the rest of the segment. Dealing with Charles sometimes makes Askia want to visit the Ice Witch of Icelandia for some peaceful nagging. Um, sometimes.
Now back to the war against the ill prepared Ottoman Oaf
And quickly, Suliman's reign ends. However, this was not really what Askia was interested in. His eyes were drawn to the sheep pasture on the land of Asia Minor.
Yes, yes as you can see the relationship of Charles and Askia soured more. But under the centuries old sheep dung a magestic underground tomb was discovered, with the preserved body of the lost Byzantine King.
Askia snaps his fingers, I was right! Suleiman was brought to Askia, blathering something about not knowing anything about the Byzantine's fate and legond has it that more lost knowledge of the lost Byzantine is found in the African Lands of the Pharoah. Only in the lands of Egypt are the abilities to preserve the dead known. Sulieman is allowed to live and granted the task of watching over the Byzantine Kings last resting place, renaming of Constantiople and Istanbul will be done another time.
With the end of Sulieman also ended the Asia war
Askia knew what to do, the time for Songhai to claim all of Africa is long overdue.
The Babylonians are in the way though, and they recently vassaled to Ramesses.
However Askia has more troops available.
It is now time for Hannibal to shine and play the defensive war in Africa as the major army will have to strike at the core of Egypt.
So Askia waits a few turns to get his armies ready, for
The Battle for Africa!
