The Space Race

You still alive Quint?
 
90 A.D. - Carthage completes The Pyramids in Carthage. I can taste the conquest already...

110 A.D. - The Maya complete the Temple of Artemis in Chichen Itza. Looks like I've got a culture rival.

The Iroquois then complete The Great Wall in Grand River. That'll be nice for them against Mongol Keshiks, and doesn't hurt me, so I'm fine with that.

The Dutch then take The Oracle in The Hague. It's the Wonder Cascade year!

170 A.D. - Sumeria completes Sun Tzu's Art of War in Ur, and the Dutch complete Leonardo's Workshop in Amsterdam. No one on my continent was even working on Leonardo's Workshop, so I must conclude the other continent is more advanced. It could be quite interesting to see what their continent looks like.

210 A.D. - I discover The Republic and start a revolution. We draw only two turns of Anarchy.

Meanwhile, the Maya build Knights Templar instantly. They must have recieved a Great Scientist from discovering Chivalry. The Aztecs and Arabs now have a bit of a problem on their borders.

At this point, ten civilizations have completed Wonders - quite a bit more wonder spread than usual. I doubt it will expand much more in the Middle Ages.

250 A.D. - Our anarchy ends, and we find ourselves paying 28 GPT in unit support. In other words, more than we should be! There's only one reasonable solution - start a war!

But that'll have to wait a little while. At least if we value our diplomatic relations it will - and we do value those!

260 AD - Hiawatha threatens us with a demand of 33 gold. We laugh at his silly offers - does he really expect to conquer us from the other side of the continent?

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Nope! So far our courage has been rewarded. "More Aggressive AI" apparently means more empty threates and more willingness to attack unguarded cities. Not a problem at all so long as we defend our cities :lol:!

300 AD - We go to the Carthaginians - and are amused by their greeting.

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Yes there is a war you aren't aware of, you fool! The war between Carthage and Korea!!!

Troops storm into Cathaginian lands. Korea won't be caught off guard this time!

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310 AD - We attack Utica, this time with overwhelming force!

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It only takes three Swordsmen to defeat the three defenders, and Utica is ours. Carthage is left horseless, and our troops advance towards Leptis Magna.

320 AD -
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What'd'you know? We're at war with them and they're yearning to join us! Thrilled, we graciously accept the rebels. Even the Carthaginian citizens are on our side!

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We spot a Dutch Galley off the Mayan jungle. We cannot learn especially much just from the Galley, but we do learn that they are the one civilization with a greater GNP than we have - and considerably more, at 300 million to our 240 million. They also are a relatively close second in culture to us, and a very close - within 5% - second in score. And we know from Leonardo's Workshop that they are advanced. Wherever they are, it seems they will be a rival.

340 AD - We discover Construction and start on Map Making. After that, only Polytheism and Monarchy will remain in the Ancient Age. We'll still be behind, certainly, but it won't seem so far behind once we're in the Middle Ages with everyone else.

345 AD - Sabratha is recaptured by Carthaginian troops. Sorry, culture revolters. Our military there was kind of weak. Maybe we'll be back later.

350 AD - Our troops reach Leptis Magna and invade the city.

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Unfortunately we fare rather poorly, winning just one of three battles. Two other Swordsmen combine to take down the Numidian Mercenary outside the city. Looks like we'll have to send in a second sweep to take it.

360 AD - The English begin building the Sistine Chapel. I didn't expect them to be the first to start building it; I didn't realize they were that advanced. But indeed they are.

370 AD - We charge into Leptis Magna again, hoping for victory this time.

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We lose so horribly in the first stage that we don't go on with the other stages.

380 AD - The third wave storms into Leptis Magna!

(I really hope we don't get to a fourth wave, let alone a seventeenth wave)

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Not only do we win the battle, but for some reason there is only one defender! So the city is ours!

405 AD - A Numidian Mercenary that I'd completely forgotten about attacks Cheju. Fortunately the lone Spearman defending the city wins. Meanwhile two Archers approach the currently-undefended city of Rusicade.

410 AD - One of the two Archers approaching Haeju disappears. It's great having bankrupt enemies.

420 AD - We enter the Middle Ages and set research to six-turn Feudalism, with an Education beeline to follow. It doesn't look like we'll be facing fearsome medieval armies with only our ancient units anymore.

But we do see a Carthaginian Longbowman approaching Carthage. We decide to ignore it and defend if it attacks, as attacking it would pull troops away from our offensive.

425 AD - Haeju defeats the remaining Archer that approaches it with ease. The Longbow then attacks my offensive stack.

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It manages to redline us, but loses. It's great when the RNG favors you :D!

430 AD - At long last we reach Carthage. The day of reckoning is at hand. Six full-strength veterans and one redlined Swordsman stand at the gates.

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A poor start to the day of reckoning. But I reckon we'll continue, we can still win this.

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Then a promotion to Elite. Lose one, win one isn't too bad considering Carthage's defence bonus.

But then the next four Swordsmen lose. With only a redlined Swordsman left against three Numidian Mercenaries of 1, 2, and 3 hitpoints, the battle is lost. I abandon the attack on Carthage, and send the remaining Swordsmen towards Sabratha.

435 AD - Carthage defeats my retreating redlined Swordsman, despite a Mountain bonus.

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450 AD - Literally half the empire breaks into riots :(. It's war weariness alright. I'm certainly feeling the effect of not taking Carthage and its silks. We'll have to end the war soon, but for now I want to liberate Sabratha, so entertainers and sent out across the empire.

460 AD - Three swords are ready at Sabratha, so we attack.

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The first loses, but the city is taken. I debate moving on to take Hippo, but ultimately decide the time for peace is now. After all, there's no doubt that in this war, as our Spearman kindly reminds us, Carthage is defeated.

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We go to the negotiating table and manage to get a discounted technology. Still costs a decent amount of gold, but hey, discounted is discounted.

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Note that I'd received Monotheism as a free technology. Checking other civilizations' tech statuses, we see none have Education. Once we finish the two remaining turns of Feudal research, we'll be doing cutting-edge research already! Most other civilizations already have Invention, but we can deal with that - we'll have Medieval Infantry! Thus, at the end of the Second Punic War, the Korean Empire is doing quite well.
 
Way to go Quint!
 
What'd'you know? We're at war with them and they're yearning to join us! Thrilled, we graciously accept the rebels. Even the Carthaginian citizens are on our side!
<SNIP>
345 AD - Sabratha is recaptured by Carthaginian troops. Sorry, culture revolters. Our military there was kind of weak. Maybe we'll be back later.

It revolted, he lost it, then recaptured it.
 
480 AD - We discover Feudalism and decline to switch governments. Now that we're at peace Republic is serving us quite well.

Meanwhile we trade Horses to Arabia for Silks and 1 gold (they're kind of poor). It's a mutually beneficial deal - we need silks to keep our people happy, and they need Ansar Warriors, to deter the Maya if nothing else. Thanks to the deal, Abu Bakr becomes Polite unto me, though he claims to be gracious unto me.

540 AD - I create an embassy in Mecca and am surprised to discover that, while their city is very well-developed, they lack Iron. So I didn't even give them Ansar Warriors - just Horsemen! Poor Arabia. I really hope the Maya don't invade them - the Arabs wouldn't stand a chance. But in the meantime I sign a right of passage with Arabia to make exploration efforts easier.

560 AD - The Ottomans complete the Sistine Chapel in Istanbul. I knew I didn't stand a chance at it, so I hadn't even tried.

580 AD - Research on Education is completed, and checking the tables, I see not a single other civilization that I've met has it, not even the advanced Dutch. At this point I've got three very tempting research options - printing press for lucrative contact trading, music theory for J.S. Bach's, or Banking for banks. Banking is the first out the window, as I don't have enough markets yet for it to be worth it. Printing press is almost worth it, but there's no guarantee I'll get it first, and even if I do, Bach's is a better long-term return. So I go for Music Theory.

605 AD - The Aztecs offer me Chivalry for Education. Hah! I wouldn't sell it for Chivalry and Engineering! If Knights show up on my border, well, I'll hurry a few Pikemen. Who needs military technology anyways?

620 AD - I establish an embassy in Salamanca. Salamanca is not particularly well developed, and its garrison is weak Spearmen, but they've got Iron and Horses. On the other hand, the have no luxuries. Overall not a huge threat.

650 AD - Music Theory research is completed, and Printing Press started. P'yongyang is chosen as the future site of J.S. Bach's Cathedral, and workers are sent there to build mines.

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655 AD - Temujin sends me a message:

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Oh, respect you're talking about? Well, I think you're doing just a miraculously good job of showing the Koreans respect, Temujin. Take your empty threats elsewhere.

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Thought so. It appears even fewer individuals surprise Wang Kon than surprise Temujin.

Actually it's equal as far as I know - Hannibal surprised us with the First Punic War. But that's at least as many surprises for him as for us.

700 AD - The southern town of Taejon finishes the first university in the world. We move into first in literacy, the Aztecs likely being the leapfrogged civilizaton.

710 AD -
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Another optional but potentially very profitable technology! Let's hope the Dutch don't have it.

But alas! They already have it - and they have no contacts to offer! They must be on our continent after all! Looks like my exporer-warriors will be missing out on their annual bonus this year. They have education as well, which, as it turns out, many civilizations have at this point. But no one has Music Theory yet, so we're secure in our lead on J.S. Bach's.

So I decide to forgo Banking a bit longer and head for Navigation. If I have to sail for contacts, I'll do it!

780 AD - We achieve 50% literacy, the first civilization to do so. Our GNP is still in second place.

790 AD - Astronomy is completed, and Copernicus's Observatory begun in Seoul. Navigation is our next technology. Paegam and Leptis Magna, on opposite sides of the empire, begin Caravels.

805 AD - Montezuma complains about our troops being in his lands, and we sign a right of passage. I make a note to make some Explorers. It's rare that I actually have a use for them.

820 AD - I discover land to the northwest of Paegam ever before Navigation is finished, but alas, it's merely an English settlement.

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835 AD - England offers me Chivalry for Music Theory. Conscious of my head start on Bach's and the loss of value in Music Theory after I complete it, I entertain the offer. Haggling a bit, I find England is willing to pay far more than just Chivalry. In the end we agree to this offer:

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Chivalry and Engineering for Music Theory? You bet! I'm a hesitant tech-trader but a deal like that is too good to pass up.

840 AD - Our western Caravel finds Amsterdam, capital of the Dutch and most glorious city in the world.

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I'm not surprised to see the Muskets - I figured I beat everyone to Education despite their intial advantage because of a focus on the lower part of the tech tree. But this wouldn't have concerned me even without the trade with England.

Meanwhile our eastern Caravel finds that Carthage's lands are divided by a channel, hence named the Channel of Theveste. That leaves a mere four cities on the mainland of Carthage.

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850 AD - England has begun Music Theory Proliferation, and, as a non-proliferation treaty is not feasible, we decide to proliferate it more. To that end, we send Music Theory, Furs, and 100 gold to the Iroquois for Invention.

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By Amsterdam, we notice Swiss Mercenaries are now the foremost guard. It hardly makes sense that Musketmen are even an option for the Dutch, costing twice as much for one more attack point. At least the Rifleman upgrades cost less.

860 AD - Musical proliferation continues, with both the Aztecs and Dutch having acquired it now, so I sell it to France along with Music Theory and 20 gold per turn for Gunpowder.

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Checking around, it seems I was the last on the Gunpowder bandwagon (though considering I didn't even have Engineering three turns ago that's not too bad), and that the advanced civilizations already have Chemistry. Clearly the AI put a high value on military technology this game - perhaps another consequence of More Aggressive AI (which, strangely, has not resulted in a single war that I'm aware of to date, other than Hannibal's attack on my undefended city).

I also manage to make a small profit from contact trading.

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Thought everyone knew each other...guess not! All the better for me.

870 AD - Navigation is completed, and Banking started on. Even though the Hwach'a is my unique unit, I'm putting the economy first for the sake of the Space Race. Magellan's Voyage is begun in the lakeside border town of Hyangsan.

880 AD - An explorer, technically trespassing on English lands, verifies that no land connection exists between England and the Netherlands. Rather, a short sea connection is suspected, not unlike in real life.

910 AD - My caravels spot land! Or elephants as the case may be!

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We don't know who occupies those lands yet, other than the elephants, but we will next turn, and then the trade wealth will start flowing in - or shortly thereafter if we deem seperation to be more beneficial to us.

920 AD - The new civilizations are the Egyptians and Sumerians. Neither is advanced relative to us, particularly Egypt, who lacks even Engineering, but the really big surprise is that they don't know each other. The first thing I want from both of them is a World Map. Curiously the first thing Egypt requests for theirs is contact with the Sumerians - and, looking more closely at their items to trade, it appears they are isolated. But I don't want to give them anything right now except gold. So I buy their map outright for 150 gold.

Spoiler Large Map :
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Interesting. They are isolated. Now I go to Sumeria, who does have communications to offer - with the Vikings, Babylonians, and Ottomans. That totals 15 civilizations, leaving one mystery civilization out in the middle of nowhere. I don't have enough gold to buy their map outright, but get it for 60 gold and 12 gold per turn.

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Very interesting. The Babylonians have prevented them from scouting their entire landmass. Offering gold per turn for contacts, I find the Ottomans to be by far the most expensive, followed by Babylon, then the Vikings. I take the latter first, for a mere 7 gold per turn.

Ragnar Lodbrock is very backwards, lacking even Theology. I take advantage of this opportunity, giving it to him for contact with Babylon and the Ottomans, a World Map, and 27 gold.

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That has to be one of the worst 10 starts I've ever seen. An island that's 90% mountains and plains with no water, with one decent but quite small island to one end (which they haven't even settled), and jungles mixed with mountains on the other end. At least they've got both Iron and Horses, and some Dyes to export. But that's putting a positive spin on a thoroughly negative situation. I mean, they've even got a volcano by their capital!

Babylon has contact with the mystery civilization - Spain. I buy the Babylonian map for 10 GPT and the Ottoman one for 8 GPT. What I find is that these four civilizations have much more land than the ones on my continent, myself included, and that Spain has a curiously large presence near the Ottoman capital despite starting on an offshore island.

They also fare quite well in score - the Ottomans are second (behind me), and Sumeria fourth. Scandinavia is, not surprisingly, in a distant last, well behind France.

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For now these civilizations are not particularly well developed, but once they are developed, they'll be a force to be reckoned with. And if one even conquers another, they'll be a superpower. But for now, they seem to be peaceful.

While deciding whether to trade now or later, I discover the Dutch have beat me to Banking. Such a situation must be rectified, so I trade them everything I've just learned and 2 GPT for Banking and Chemisty. Thereafter I learn they already have Metallurgy as well - if they aren't advanced I don't know who is! And they aren't even a Scientific civilization.

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I then trade all my new knowledge and 8 GPT to the Aztecs for Metallurgy, along with Furs and Wine. We're now making zero gold per turn, and have no luxuries to trade. But, minus Monarchy, we've reached tech parity with everyone, even being more advanced by Astronomy and Navigation! We aren't quite out of the forest yet, as we're still quite weak militarily (Spears, Swords, Warriors, an Archer, and a Chariot), but we've reached tech equality surprisingly quickly.

930 AD - I realize my tech research is set to Monarchy. Oh well. We could use 120 GPT profits for awhile.

But then I decide to trade most of my contacts here on my continent to the Ottomans for Monarchy, contact with Spain, and a bit of gold. And thus research is set to Economics.

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I then trade Contact with the Iroquois to Spain in exchange for their World Map, which unveils their moderate-sized island.

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The picture is much clearer to us now than just a hundred years ago. The other island has powerful wonders, but it is the Dutch, whom we have now equaled technologically, who will likely rival us in the space race. Yet should the other civilizations ever get expansionistic, we could have a very interesting struggle.
 
What'd'you know? We're at war with them and they're yearning to join us! Thrilled, we graciously accept the rebels. Even the Carthaginian citizens are on our side!

*Whaddya*;)

That has to be one of the worst 10 starts I've ever seen. An island that's 90% mountains and plains with no water, with one decent but quite small island to one end (which they haven't even settled), and jungles mixed with mountains on the other end. At least they've got both Iron and Horses, and some Dyes to export. But that's putting a positive spin on a thoroughly negative situation. I mean, they've even got a volcano by their capital!

That would be in my top 10 too. Probably number 4 though.
 
955 AD - Egypt begins Copernicus' Observatory. It appears they're forgetting the lower path entirely, being on an isolated island. I hope they don't trade Astronomy around before I finish Bach's - otherwise we might have a Wonder Cascade that could cost me Copernicus.

Sumeria starts it right afterwards. Neither of them has started Bach's.

965 AD - The Maya, who already have started Bach's, begin Copernicus's Observatory. This always happens! The Vikings are probably in the Modern Age by now from all the tech trading! But no one really had anything of value to trade, so I don't regret not trading everything right away. And I've still got a monopoly on maps.

1000 AD -
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A beautiful start to a new millenium. We certainly could use the happiness benefits.

Checking the Demographics, we see that someone has overtaken us in literacy (a surprise), but that we have overtaken the Dutch in economic strength.

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1030 AD - Democracy research is finished, because I forgot to set research to Economics after trading for Monarchy :blush:. This time I do set research to Economics.

1070 AD - Copernicus' Observatory is completed in Seoul. Whew. Didn't want to lose it to the tech trades.

Meanwhile I've slipped into second place economically again. And when I check, the Dutch are over 200 gold ahead of me - more than 25%! Sure enough, the cause of my temporary triumph was a revolution, as they are now the world's first Democracy. And they have Military Tradition to boot! They are proving to be quite the tough cookie.

1075 AD - The French Medieval Infantry that has been in my territory since the beginning of time (okay, since we made peace with them) heads south into Aztec territory. Could this mean fireworks?

1085 AD - The Medieval Infantry forifies just inside Aztec territory. I guess they decided to switch up which neighbor they would annoy.

1090 AD - I discover the Ottomans have overtaken first place in score! This isn't good - that means they've got more land and potentially a better long-term GDP!

1100 AD - Egypt discovers Navigation, and has actually become quite advanced, already having Military Tradition. These island dwellers are good!

Meanwhile, I discover Economics (ahead of even the Dutch) and begin Smith's Trading Company in P'yongyang. I also take advantage of the extra gold from 20% research last turn to upgrade Spears to Pikemen (not having connected Saltpeter by road yet).

1135 AD - The Dutch try to trade with me for Economics. In your dreams, William, in your dreams.

1150 AD - The Dutch and Maya begin on Shakespeare's Theatre. They can have that; I'll take Smith's and Newton's University.

We finish our first Knight this year. Trebuchets are in the works, with the Hwach'a upgrade in mind.

1160 AD - We finish Physics and begin Theory of Gravity. There should be no trouble getting it first, unless the Dutch pull off some more magic.

1180 AD -
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Why, hello, Mr. Swiss Mercenary. What could this friendly visit possibly be about?

:mischief:

I have a feeling this isn't about peace at all. But I don't know why they chose Leptis Magna. Nevertheless, we send reinforcements right away for the "small possibility" that this visit isn't entirely in good will.

1185 AD - A Spearman and a Warrior unload by Leptis Magna, but there is no declaration of war. Rather, the Swiss Mercenary forifies.

1195 AD -
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Surprise of surprises! They've got hardly anything to lose, being on an island with Cavalry, so I suppose they decided to strike out against the one civilization that was interfering with their technological superiority. Though their choice of attack is puzzling.

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An easy defence. The other two march off to the west.

1200 AD - War happiness spreads everywhere. Meanwhile, gunpowder is connected and a transport Caravel is completed in the western city of Paegam. We're ready for the Dutch.

1205 AD - The Dutch land a Cavalry by Kaesong. Maybe we aren't quite as ready as we thought we were. Fortunately a Pikeman is due there next turn - combined with the Archer already there, it won't fall.

Conveniently, Elizabeth offers us Military Tradition for Economics this same turn. Instead we trade them Democracy for a whole boatload including Military Tradition. It couldn't be a better deal - keep our monopoly, improve relations with a neighbor just when we need good relations, and gain military technology that will help not only now against the Dutch but later against France, England, and Carthage as well.

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1210 AD - We discover the Theory of Gravity. Research is set to Magnetism, and Newton's Unveristy begun in Seoul. Meanwhile, Magellan's Voyage is completed in Hyangsan. We're keeping up one-for-one with the Dutch, despite our lesser GNP.

Much to my chagrin, the Pikeman that was going to be completed in Kaesong wasn't because of my Saltpeter connection! So I divert a Knight to help defend the city.

We use the Hwach'a for the first time on the initial Dutch invaders.

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It does nothing at all. Great unique unit. So we send in the Medieval Infantry.

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The Dutch don't get a Golden Age either! An Elite Sword then finishes off their Spearman. Our forces in the east head back west, ready to intercept however many Cavalry the Dutch land.

1215 AD - I miscalculated the distance between the Dutch Cavalry and Utica, and it is attacked.

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Our Spearman is redlined, but wins. A fortunate battle indeed. The Dutch then land three Longbows by Kaesong, where a Musketman will be finished next turn.

1220 AD - The Knight in Kaesong defeats one Longbow, as an Archer does thereafter. We then send in a Chariot, who retreats. So what then? Offensive muskets!

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Our muskets are redlined, but win.

1225 AD - Two Cavalry are dropped off by Kaesong. Combined, these six troops would've destroyed me, but alone, they are going to do minimal damage. Have to love the AI sometimes.

1230 AD - A Knight loses in our counterattack, so we hunker down in the city and upgrade a Chariot. But they're still facing heavy odds.

1235 AD -
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Zounds! I figured they'd get an alliance against us someday. The Maya are the worst they could've got though, aside from perhaps our immediate neighbors. The last thing we need is a Crusade against us.

We lose a Cavalry on defence. But the other Cavalry moves out into the open - the perfect opportunity for our hapless Hwach'a.

1240 AD - Our Hwach'a take aim at a golden age. They have done nothing so far, but they can make up for it now.

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:D Excellent work! Take that, Dutch! As a side note, our Hwach'a is promoted to Elite. Maybe if it wins a few more times we'll get a Great Leader from an artillery unit?

A Knight defeats the last Cavalry on our lands, and the Dutch are back to square one.

At this point I'm unsure what to do about the Mayan problem. The convenient thing would be to pay someone such as the Aztec to fight them. But the Aztecs are resourcesless and would probably loses horribly. The Arabs are smaller than the Aztecs but at least have Musketmen, though they lack iron. The Iroquis have Knights and pikes, but lack Saltpeter. The Maya appear to lack horses, but their Crusaders make up for that.
 
Popping in to say good luck. Pretty lucky how you beat that Dutch Cavalry. The RNG gods must be smiling upon you today.
 
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Note: The Vikings are the purple one southwest of Babylon. They're so small I didn't even remember them when labeling the map.

Good idea with the H'wacha's. Not used to being able to sink ships (from land) until Cruise Missiles :).

Since it's still relatively early in the game I'm reserving the save game.

The RNG did favour me at Utica. Can't count on that every time, though. And I'm sure the Dutch will be back.
 
1240 AD - I decide first of all to send an expedition to conquer the Dutch town of Middelburg, on a nearby island seperate from the Dutch mainland. Being close to the capital, it's likely quite helpful to them economically, and it's relatively easy to take, so we're going to!

I then consider the Mayan problem. I have embassies with all three of their neighbors. I go to the Iroquois first, and find them quite willing to help me in exchange for Furs. We sign an alliance.

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This puts the Maya in a decidedly two-front war. The Iroquois are at a disadvantage - Knights and Pikemen versus Crusaders and Musketmen - but with two fronts the Maya should be in a quandry anyways.

The Aztecs, too, agree to fight for Furs.

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This is a bit more dangerous - the Aztecs lack all resources - but I'm hopeful that their Longbows will hold off the Mayans that do not fight the Iroquois. And once my forces reach the front the Aztecs shouldn't be in danger of falling back.

I almost leave the Arabs out, but as they are nearly willing to go to war for free I can't resist the dogpile.

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The Diplomacy screen now looks much nicer.

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We then take out war weariness insurance with Babylon. At the worst it will help our score.

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And with that we end the turn, curious to see if there is a Dutch response.

1250 AD -
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We are the first civilization to enter the Industrial age! Quite surprising actually. We'll build a few Frigates in short order.

Even better, there's no Dutch response! Though that doesn't mean there won't be later.

Medicine is our free technology. Considering that both of my size-12 cities are working on wonders I decide to go for Steam Power before Sanitation.

1252 AD - Osman comes upon me with a most unkind request.

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We tell him to bring on his worst. Not that he'll likely be able to once we get a few Frigates.

1255 AD - We establish an embassy in Babylon and find that they have six luxuries and all three resources. What wealth! They also mysteriously have a University but no Library. That can only mean one thing - what debt!

Yes, I am considering dogpiling the Ottomans - the only civilization with a higher score. But I have to be cautious. They likely have Siphahi - if they don't they will soon - and I have to make sure I don't get a weak alliance that is overwhelmed and absorbed by them. Hence I need both Spain and Babylon - and I can't afford an embassy in Madrid right now so that won't happen for a little while.

We get our first combat with the Maya this turn.

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A quick victory and retreat. Many longbows, both Aztec and Mayan, are in the area.

1260 AD - Our Explorer reveals two Muskets, a Crusader, and three Longbows in the area of Tlatelolco.

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The Crusader is picked off; the others are left alone until they advance.

1265 AD - Two more Mayan Longbows fall to our troops. Why they aren't using Medieval Infantry is a mystery - they certainly could use the extra defence to turn the tide against the Aztecs.

1270 AD - We land two Musketman, a Hwacha, a Cavalry, and a Warrior by Middelburg. It's an expeditionary force, and may need to be reinforced, but it ought to be enough to take down their offence.

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1275 AD - Reports come in that the Aztec town of Malinalco has fallen to the Maya. A most unfortunate circumstance; it allows them to connect their main empire to the area that had been isolated and a prime target for the Iroquois.

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But this setback does not convince us at all that the Maya are stronger than our entire alliance. Malinalco was isolated and likely poorly garrisoned; any determined nation could have taken it.

Two Crusaders fall to our Cavalry this turn. We still hold off on attacking a city.

1277 AD - The Maya request a peace treaty. Evidently they don't believe the capture of Malinalco means they're winning the war, either. Obviously we refuse to make peace.

1280 AD -
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Steam Power in 1280 AD! Undoubtedly trades helped us get tech this early, but even so we're getting technology very quickly.'

The Maya completed Shakespeare's Theatre in Palenque. That sends the Dutch after Newton's University, but their effort will not succeed - I shall get it next turn!

1285 AD -
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The two Wonders help science considerably and the treasury by about 30 gold per turn. No small change. And with that worldwide wonder building ends for awhile.

Two of our frigates bombard a Dutch caravel this turn, redlining it. The Dutch may be seafaring, but thanks to Magellan's Voyage our Frigates are still faster than their Caravel.

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1287 AD - The Maya take out two Spearmen defending the frontline city of Tlatelolco as well as our of my Cavalry. Disruptive, yes, but we're finally ready to attack.
 
1290 AD - At last we are ready to go on the offensive! Our first attack will be on the Mayan city of Tikal. With two Silks nearby, not only would its capture free us from importing silks from Arabia, but it would also deprive the Maya of an important luxury.

And just before the attack, we get a Christmas present - the Maya are in Anarchy! Most likely from Republic to Democracy, which of course would be a most foolish revolution at this time.

So we go on the attack.

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Four Cavalry take out two Musketmen, with one retreat and one loss. Another Musketman is reduced to two hitpoints. So we send in the only Medieval Infantry we have.

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He is beat back. An Elite Swordsman is next. We really hope he wins, because there's at least one Longbow behind the Musketman, and we've only got two Swordsmen and a Warrior left.

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Victory! The Warrior is next. It is only when we're about to send him in that we notice the Maya and Dutch are both in the Industrial Age. We check with both and find neither to have any Industrial Age technologies, so fortunately there will be no Riflemen popping up anytime soon.

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Our Warrior justifies keeping his unit in existence into the Industrial Age, even getting promoted to Veteran. Not too often that a Warrior gets promoted in the Industrial Age! Tikal is ours. Suprisingly there's only 55% corruption, even without a Courthouse.

The Dutch come under our targets next. First at sea.

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Then by air.

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Then by land.

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Which meets the least success. Only one Swiss Mercenary is killed, but fortunately our other three Cavalry all retreat, once again denying the Dutch a Golden Age. Needing somewhere for my Cavalry to recover, I establish an embassy in London and sign a Right of Passage with Elizabeth.

The Maya are by now thoroughly in retreat, and the Dutch don't seem to be able to force us off their island. It certainly took awhile, but we finally got this war going the way we wanted it to be going.
 
Very Interesting game, Will follow it for sure!
 
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