The Tribal Elders of Delphi

We don't have to capture Zurich, I'm not even sure if the city is that good. Initially I proposed it because I was not excited about capturing Sukothai and eliminating Siam. Under those conditions I felt is was likely that Siam would stay friendly with Zurich and then we would have this continual problem area in the south threatening our trade. If we are going to eliminate Siam then I guess Zurich will end up as an ally eventually, which would probably be even better.

So shall we put it to a vote?
1. Capture Sukothai and Zurich - we could certainly do it.
2. Capture Sukothai and hopefully befriend Zurich - this is probably the best in the long run, but may limit our trade possibilities for some time.
or
3. Forget Sukohtai and capture Zurich - It seems unlikely that we will let Sukothai exist for very long so this would eventually be choice number 1.

They all work out just fine for us, but number 2 is probably best in the long run.

The extra resource is on the city tile, so yes we would get it.
 
I bear no ill will toward the people of Zurich, with whom we have in the past had cordial relations. It is only an unfortunate and fickle circumstance which has led them to war with us.

I would be most comfortable with subjugating the Siamese kingdom and attempting to mend relations with Zurich.

If it is decided that conquering Zurich would be in our kingdom's best interests then I would support it but if we have a choice between doing this or no then I would vote against it. I know it would break my father's heart to permanently damage relations with the people of Zurich.
 
1889 said:
An aspiring psephologist huh? Have you ever heard of Dr. Bruce Bueno de Mesquita? He wrote The Logic of Political Survival, where he actually tries to devise mathematical equations that could answer political questions. It was, he admits an early attempt and points out where more work can be done but I thought it was awesome even though it was way over my head. I had to settle for The Dictators Handbook which was dumbed down for the readers that can't handle calculus anymore.
Click to expand...

((Well, wannabe psephologist. I have no intention to pursue study or work in that field; it's just an interest.

I have not read either of those tomes. I've mostly just followed elections as they occur and read about them, the background, the electoral systems, the outcomes, and so forth.

As for the rest of your post I'll have a look and see what I think. I might not get back to you until Monday, though, because I will be out of town for the next few days (will still have an Internet connection; just won't be at my computer).))
 
True enough. I expect they were bound by mutual protection agreements.

It will, however, take time to heal the rifts between the people of Zurich and the Delphian Kingdom due to the Siamese war.
 
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Story
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Turn 0 - Game Turn 130 // 375 AD

After hitting end of turn Siam moves.
Their swordsman charges at a wounded chariot outside Si Satchanalai nearly killing it while reinforcements of swords and archers rush to Muang Saluang.

Shoshone pay 7 gpt for copper, but when China offers 3 gold for open borders I demure to ensure a settler can’t cross to the lush west coast through our territory. They can still go by sea however.

Turn 1 - Game Turn 131 // 400 AD

The Siamese Sword outside Kirrha gets bombarded again but fortified in the hills they will be able to hold out for a long time. Our spearman takes up position in the adjoining hills hoping to remove them and allow our worker to return to mining.

City bombardment from Si Satchanalai along with a chariot and a sword make quick work of the Siamese swordsman bent on revenge east of our recent conquest. Their defeat allows our wounded chariot to heal and return to battle wounding another swordsman.

Our remaining chariots begin bombarding Muang Saluang and our siege towers, healed now, move up. Still out of range of the city but close enough that they can get next to it next turn.

We can see now that the city is garrisoned by a badly wounded catapult, has a slightly wounded sword NW escorting a worker and a fresh swordsman south of the city and a composite bow just to the NE.

Enough soldiers to inflict serious casualties but the Siamese are already defeated in spirit. The city bombardment and the catapult inflict heavy damage on a chariot while the sword and bowman flee toward the capitol and its illusory safety.

An Elephant unit (Siam’s equivalent of a knight) appears just south of their capitol. It is an impressive unit for which we have no equal or counter.

The swordsman south of Muang Saluang invades our undefended eastern lands causing brief panic in Delphi and Dostana.

Turn 2 - Game Turn 132 // 425 AD

The warrior outside Kirrha survives another bombardment with little difficulty and his position is too strong for our spear to assault so the commander attempts a flanking maneuver.

Our wounded chariot can’t risk another hit from Muang Saluang so it heads south and bombards the invading swordsman instead.

With impeccable timing Delphi finishes a swordsman who heads north to intercept the invaders.

The chariot continues to bombard Muang Saluang which is virtually surrounded by our siege towers. With little room left for the rest of army to in the battlefield around the city a chariot and sword attack the bowman who mange to escape his fate by the slimmest of margins.

In the north our Scout attempts to sneak through northern Siam. It is a dangerous mission but I need to know what forces Siam has in reserve around their capitol.

In spite of the deadly combat in so much of our land things the capitol retains an uneasy air of safety. Workers complete a mine and move to adjoining hills to begin another. The extra production will come in handy as the city begins Notre Dame.

Siam’s counter attack strikes with effect this time. The city, a catapult, and bow batter our swordsman while the elephant charges in from behind to trample the survivors. This elephant unit is even more powerful than I had feared. We have nothing in our arsenal that can stop it.

Turn 3 - Game Turn 133 // 450 AD
Finally, after one more bombardment our spearman storm the hill and eliminate the warriors outside Kirrha. The swordsman outside Delphi is defeated as well.

Our Siege towers once again work flawlessly and Muang saluang is quickly captured with few casualties and vast booty. We discover optics allowing our units to embark now. We also get 81 gold, a worker, and incense. Happiness is at 4, which should be enough to capture Sukothai.

But fighting still rages north of the city. The bowman is killed and the chariots do what they can to wound the elephant but it only seams to enrage them.

The great general Pompey is born in Delphi and heads north to lead the assault on the Siamese capitol.

Siam offers peace, but it is dismissed out of hand. Their elephant tramples one of our chariots.

Turn 4 - Game Turn 134 // 475 AD

Our scout crests the hill north of Sukothai and can see lush productive fields and mines with a diligent worker still but no soldiers in sight. The Siamese capitol is undefended. All that remains is a swordsman and the elephants, although that seams to be giving us trouble enough.

The defenses of Muang Saluang is used against the elephants with little effect. Our swordsman attempt to block it against the coast where our chariots can wear it down and our siege towers will be safe from its furry.

The captured workers are sent to quarry stone south of Muang Saluang. Freedom is offered to whoever can tell us the elephant’s weakness.

Unfortunately the elephants sense the trap and move into the forest before we can seal the escape route.

Turn 5 - Game Turn 135 // 500 AD

The damn elephants have healed back to 85 hit points! It’s like starting from scratch. City bombard and chariots do what they can but it is little enough. Until Pompey arrives with a plan. The trees will interfere with the elephants charge and break up their formation, this is where they are vulnerable! The swordsman enter the gloomy forest with bands playing. The beasts are confused by the unfamiliar racket, their mahout’s moral is already low. The fight is still desperate, bloody and hard won but it is won.

Our own territory, free now of invaders attempts to return to the productivity of our golden age. A farm is finished at Delphi, the workers move to hills for more mines. At Kirrha a farm is completed and workers return to finish the mines they fled so long ago. Kirrha finally finishes the trebuchette but there seems little chance it can make it into battle now. (However I give it the open terrain upgrade as all Dutch cities are on open ground) A worker is started.

Else where in the world the Shoshone construct the Great Lighthouse fostering seaborne trade while we have yet to restore the caravans lost in the opening days of the war.

And the Dutch enhance their religion.

Turn 6 - Game Turn 136 // 520 AD

Our Siege towers are next to Sukothai but the river is a formidable obstacle and no assault is attempted without further support. Thanks to their cover promotions they can easily withstand another turn of city bombardment.

Poland finishes Machu Picchu

Turn 7 - Game Turn 137 // 540 AD

Pompey takes charge of the siege of Sukothai. Knowing the Siamese army is defeated he orders a siege tower to cross the river while all of our remaining chariots sweep up from the south to fire on the city. Most of them would not survive the return fire from the city but Pompey is certain he can finish it now. “This is the last battle!” he calls out. “Breach those walls and you can all return home.”

And for many it was the last battle. The chariots fire what they can but after so many years of fighting their ranks are depleted and their soldiers weary. Their bombardment does hit as hard as it did in Si Satchanalai or Muang Saluang.

The siege towers, so deadly before are barely able to operate on the muddy river banks. They get stuck in the mud but at least the water means their crews are quickly able to douse the flames thrown down on them from the city walls towering above them. But the one tower that managed to cross the river and make its attack along the road at the main gate is able to fight on terrain that favors them. Even so it unlike previous sieges where the defenders could still hope to flee to safety. The King remained within the city, his last city, Siam’s last hold out.

Pompey had ordered the assault to be carried out without mercy. No quarter was to be given. His orders were to capture the city, he would leave the mendacious apologies to the diplomats and feigned horror to the intellectuals safe at home. Pompey knew that no king could be induced to surrender his throne without a good dose of bloodshed.

So once the gate was breached that is exactly what befell the hapless residents of Sukothai. Pompey would not dispute that it was slaughter, that his soldiers put innocents to death in large numbers. He would only point out that it was effective. Ramkhamhaeng could not stand by and allow his people to be murdered. He surrendered his crown, allowed himself to be bound and caged to packed off to Delphi.

We discover horseback riding, and get 153 gold and a worker but happiness is -2.

We make peace with Zurich as well.

Two more turns to play, will finish tomorrow
 
My king, your subjects have taken to referring to you as Ares, for your great victory over the wretched Siamese has proven you to be at the level of a god of war!

With your youth and skill with warcraft, your reign will surely run for decades to come!

((yeah, pretty sure you'll be every king's pick for Minister of War!))
 
Turn 8 - Game Turn 138 // 560 AD

I look for resource trades to resolve our happiness issues but they are all ridiculous. We are on our own as far as happiness so it is good that a mine is completed at Delphi advancing Notre Dame by 3 turns. This is critical as unhappiness has reduced growth by 25%. Gold and production are reduced by 4% each.

China offers a mere 3 gpt for marble. I refuse as it gives them a benefit for wonder production. Meanwhile our scout explores along China’s west coast seeing more roads, improvements and advanced military units like a crossbow.

Our spear and a chariot head west to stake out the new city location. China’s scout is never far behind. The rest of our battered army heals in place.

BTW the engagements with the elephant have shown that our army is obsolete. Our siege equipment still seems effective but would be cut down by some of the new units our scout is seeing in China.

The captured worker heads to Si Satchanalai to begin roads connecting the northern conquest to our capitol. The decimated populations of our new cities will not pay for the road but it is a military necessity.

Unrest continues throughout much of the north. But it is still a shock when the military caravan bringing Ramkhamhaeng to Delphi is attacked in the hills just north of Si Satchanalai. This area was thought to have been pacified years ago so the escort was light, too light. In the ensuing melee Ramkhamhaeng is freed but then killed in the struggle to recapture him. Alexander is furious and orders Pompey to exact revenge on the unruly subjects of Si Satchanalai. It is an unfortunate order but Pompey does not consider it unjust.

Turn 9 - Game Turn 139 // 580 AD
Military units start to spread out to garrison our cities as they heal.

It is one thing for the former Siamese people to call King Alexander a tyrant and murderer, but when these slurs are reported to him by his own people Alexander orders troops to return to the capitol too.

China denounces us.
Poland adds a reformation belief.

We are loosing grasp on Zurich. Their friendship provides 3 happiness. Without them we would loose 10% of gold and production. We may be able to purchase an alliance for 500 gold or we can use the money to buy a settler for the new city. It may also be possible to build the settler since we are thinking of waiting almost 20 turns still to settle although it will take like 7 turns for a settler to walk out there.

King Alexander feels increasingly at siege in his own palace and ever more distrustful of his own advisers. They recommended this war, the people celebrated his conquest but as the victorius army approaches the capitol preceded by reports of slaughter in the north the people seem more anxious than celebratory.

King Alexander desperate to restore happiness allows his overseers to resort to the whip to spur miners working to construct Notre Dame. The results are predictable to everyone but King Alexander. Isolated by his distrust of the council and made unpredictable by his irrational focus on this one huge prestige project. Some people begin to wonder not only if there is a better person to be king but if there is a better way to be governed.

Turn 10 - Game Turn 140 // 400 AD

As the terrifying spires of the untried “super-weapon” the new trebuchette approaches Delphi the citizens panic. Rumors fly that King Alexander has had the council imprisoned and demands an immediate completion of Notre Dame, that he has sent to army to enslave the city and conscript all able bodied men for the mines. Rumors fly that Ramkhamhaeng is leading elephants on the city from the north, or that China has swept over the border.

In the end all these rumors prove false. When order is finally restored three days all that is know for sure is that King Alexander is dead in his palace. His lips stained a tell tale blue from poison. It is said that it was by his own hand but for those close enough to have known him find such an act hard to believe. Yet if they were wise enough to have survived his brief reign they know well enough by now when to keep their mouths shut. Instead they keep an eye on each other knowing that the assassin’s poison has spared them from Alexander but may turn on them at any provocation.

At the begging of turn 140 we have 3 more turns until steel then I hope we will go to gunpowder which will take 25 turns.

Kirrha will finish a worker in 3 then maybe a work boat.
Delphi will hopefully finish Notre Dame in 7
Dostana will finish a grannery in 2 then maybe a work boat.
Sukothai will be in resistance for 3 more turns.
 

Attachments

Melodios, former minister to the slain King Alexander --- former because all ministers derived their powers from the King who was now dead --- addressed the Delphian Council.

"My fellow councillors, like you all I am deeply shocked at the sudden and unexpected death of our ruler. A ruler who if fairness were a reality could have led us to domain over the known world. Alas, such a future will remain unfulfilled, a loss of potential just like the fallen king's. If the council permits it I would insist that based upon his martial skills and warlike prowess that he posthumously receive the appellation 'the Great'.

"In these uncertain times I feel the kingdom requires the certainty of a safe pair of hands. The former King Bazil I feel fits these requirements and if he accepts I would nominate him as King of the Delphians.

"Finally, King Alexander's death is either an act of suicide or regicide. With the council's permission I will personally lead an investigation into the events surrounding his death. I will leave no stone unturned in this quest. We will know the truth and if a crime has been committed we will hold those responsible to account. This I pledge to you today before the gods."
 
I second the nomination of King Bazil. Trade is what our empire needs and that is what his family knows.

As to your investigation, it is telling that while his lips show the obvious stain of poison, no container or vial was found at the scene. That may not rule out suicide but someone would have to be complicit if it were.

(Damn, I got to think of a new character again)
 
((As ever I'm always happy to help with names ;)))
 
((Twenty years. Is Bazil too old? Or has he had time to settle down, find a wife, have some kids and return to the throne for his twilight years?))
 
((Excellent. Once King Albert Bazil assumes the throne for the second time Melodios will be requesting he establish a Royal Commission into the Death of King Alexander and appoint Melodios as Royal Commissioner.

It is my intent to have this particular investigation / storyline wrapped up before you start playing any of the turns in order for it to, story-wise, be resolved within this year instead of a future year --- because the trail would certainly have gone cold by then.))

Edit: Got my scenarios and names mixed up. :p
 
(( You are liking the Realpolitik way too much :P Well, I'm gonna give it a start then, that way I have a little time to look into the save and write the rest of the monitor article I've been trying to get some time to.

Also, we need to give 1889 a new name, I want my war maester ready in case things go to hell :sniper: ))

The nation was still in shock. Alexander The Great, fierce warrior and strategist, seemingly undefeatable, now layed dead, after the war confusion. No one knew what happened, only that the promising king was gone. Rumours of assassination and suicide raged through the nation, as if they were storms. But the council knew, this could not affect their rulings. A new ruler was needed. After two days, they reunited in what was known as one of the toughest days in years. Who could replace this force of nature that was Alexander? No one... But still, someone was needed.

The discussion was long and barely was any decision reached. By a marginal majority, Bazil was to return to rule the nation. The war was won, and reconstruction was required. And who best to do that than the former builder?

They sent a messenger to his house. "You must come quickly, the council has summoned you". The council? It had been years since there was ny kind of summon, and he knew nothing good was to come of it. And it was time to get some rest, his son was already asleep... Well, it was one of those things he couldn't avoid, not with all the confusion around with the king's death. The kings death... He feared the worst... Not again.

He arrived half an hour later into the old chambers. He recognized those, somethings just don't change. He didn't know if that was comforting or scary. Everyone was there, except the old minister of war. Bazil wondered where he was, but he couldn't even ask when the council spoke:

"you have been elected once more to become the leader of this country"
not this again...
"The king has died, poisoned. No one knows if it was suicide or homicide. The people have no guidance and are starting to doubt everything. War has left a lot destroyed, and we need someone to rebuild. Someone like you"

They wouldn't let me leave... And I did want answers about the king and all that situation. A quick nod to accept the old position. My wife was not gonna be happy... As I looked around, I notice that Melodios looked a bit old and wary, but with a certain determination in his eyes.

"Speak Melodios, what's on your mind".
"Your majesty..."
"I am no king, nor of highborn descendance, you know that well old friend."
"Sire, I want to investigate the king's death. Something is not right. The confusion, the poison, no letter or explanation... It doesn't add up"
I knew he was right... And if there was someone that could find out what was the meaning of that, it was him... "Very well, your knowledge is invaluable, you may start as soon as you can. You will be the Royal Commisioner resposible for finding out what's behind this strange death, and return the truth to our people. Chose whoever you need to assist you. As for the rest, what does the council expect of me? And can that start after a night of sleep?"
"Yes of course, rest up. Tomorrow, we need to start planning how to rebuild our nation, the people are tired and weared from so much fighting. We need to bring back the joy of the old days".

I guess now I had to tell my family about this... At least the boy would be thrilled about this.
 
Melodios, son of Melda of Islandia, the newly minted Royal Commissioner wasted no time in putting together his commission. He would uncover the truth of King Alexander's death or die trying. While many had feared the fallen king, Melodios had admired his skill and passion. The Delphian Kingdom now commanded all of the former Siamese territory. This would not have been possible if not for Alexander the Great's exploits.

Melodios assembled a meeting of his most trusted advisors. It contained only two people: his aged father, Melda of Islandia, former chief minister of the Delphian Kingdom and Phrenos, son of Typios, who had been friends with Melodios since they were both children.

Melodios began. "We will inspect the king's body shortly, but before we do I want to make this absolutely clear to you both: this is a very dangerous situation. If indeed the king was killed then we are dealing with powers who would have no qualms in putting any of us to death since they would appear to have not had any issue with the far greater crime of regicide."

His companions nodded to indicate their understanding. They knew just how dangerous this task was. There had been rumblings in the Council that the matter should be just left alone with the assumption of suicide.

"My son, Phrenios, is good with a sword. I would bring him in on this investigation. But we will need more guards for protection," Phrenos suggested.

"Agreed," the wizened Melda intoned gravely with a frown, "this is a dangerous affair indeed. We must protect ourselves."

"So be it," Melodios declared. "My son Melodas is not skilled with a sword, so I will suggest to the king that he take my place as one of his ministers for the duration of this investigation."

Melda nodded. He was pleased his grandson would follow his father and his grandfather before him into the ministry.

Melodios concluded the meeting by announcing: "Let us inspect the fallen king."
 
The funeral of King Alexander the Great was a tense affair.

All the religious and cultural norms were observed --- his body was placed on a pyre, a coin placed in his mouth to pay the ferry man for his trip to the underworld, words spoken, the pyre lit --- but there was a tenseness that pervaded what should have been a sombre affair.

Had he killed himself? Had someone murdered him? Should the matter be left alone for the good of the kingdom?

These were questions no one spoke aloud at the funeral, but which many were thinking. There was disagreement in the Delphian Council about the Royal Commission called into the fallen king's death. Whether they were concerned because they were themselves implicit, or because they knew who was involved and didn't want to get caught up in the investigation, or because they were worried about the sectarian strife a ruling of regicide would bring to the kingdom no matter who carried out or organised the act, or because they just wanted to put the whole sordid affair behind them and get on with their lives, Royal Commissioner Melodios couldn't be sure. He knew that even those who would normally decry such a crime as regicide, and who may not have held any particular ill will toward the fallen king were grateful to see the end of his unpredictable rule, no matter how it had been carried out.

King Bazil had tried his best to keep the peace, and he was a staid and familiar hand on the tiller of the good ship of state, but it was going to be an uphill battle. Even without the tenseness caused by the ongoing Royal Commission, the newly subjugated Siamese cities were a hotbed of trouble and there was widespread discontent throughout the Delphian Kingdom. The king was going to have his work cut out for him.
 
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