Viva Mahdiyah - AoI With Mahdists

I just wonder what the hell in the AI programming caused the French to spam units, whereas the British have virtually none. While the French have stacks of doom of cavalry, Infantry, and even ARTILLERY(no AI ever builds artillery what the hell is this?!), the British seem to almost exclusively be Militia and Col. Infantry, barring a few British Infantry that have snuck into Africa.
 
==1902 Part II: Allahu Akbar==

Spoiler :
The sinking of three British transports dealt a blow to British troop numbers, at least it was hoped.

Week 37, all occupied cities rioted against the Mahdiyah. The revolts were put down with some bread and circuses.

The siege of Kampala was ordered, so as to evict the British from central Africa.

Artillery wore the city down; the British Infantry, rushed in from the Isles themselves, was no match for the Mahdist Cavalry.

Week 41, China and Japan declared an alliance.



To prevent harassment of our troop movements, a British Trench Garrison near Cairo was to be liquidated.



Alexandria was occupied, ending British Egypt forever. The British maintained Villa Cisneros in the West, but other than that, had lost all land on mainland North Africa.

The Turks had become the most eminent power of the Eastern Mediterranean, dominating it with their vast fleet of gunboats. While the major powers could certainly end such dominance over time, it would require a cooperative effort.

With the northern front secure and all cities having great productivity, the economy was mobilised for war. This would improve the speed of troop production, and allow for better offensive/defensive capability.

The British were quite inept - even though they greatly outnumbered the Portuguese in Africa, they still were unable to take the two Portuguese cities in the region.

Engineers completed the Trans-Egyptian Railway in Week 45. Troops could ferry between Alexandria and Sudan with ease. With the Suez Canal already cut off to non-Mahdist traffic(a large navy group had blocked the Red Sea), this meant any attempts at reprisal could be shelled to oblivion by coastal artillery.

The move was made to take Kalomo. The last piece of Rhodesia, it was isolated from the main British provinces, and right on the French border.

...the plan was scrapped upon seeing the French had used their raw materials to block such an action. The French seemed to want to hinder British advances, just as the Mahdiyah had tried to hinder the French before.

Half the entire Mahdiyah's artillery was worthless against Johannesburg, due to the City Defense somehow absorbing each blast. :rolleyes:



Johannesburg fell regardless. That ended their occupation of the Boer Republics. The tightly-packed urban centers would fall one by one.

Battleships took out the British coal in South Africa. Only Kalomo supplied the British; if taken, the Brits would lose a great amount of power and wealth in Africa.

Week 49, the British attacked Johannesburg. While the Maxims OF COURSE did poorly against the Brits, they were still able to rout them. Or rather, kill every last one of the equestrian bastards.



Mafeking was the next to fall, the British now faced with a full-scale invasion of South Africa. The Boers, furthermore, allowed the Mahdist forces through, meaning the Mahdiyah could strike at any city without warning.

 
==1903 Part I: The Big Devil Falls==
Spoiler :

Week 1, Japan declared war on Britain. With Britain being crushed by humble Mahdist forces and the British navy in disarray, Japan hoped to seize some of the British Pacific with its excellent navy and large army. Even better, the Chinese hordes would assist them.

Kimberley was reported to have about 6 or 7 Col. Infantry protecting it. Provided the British positions further south had remained weak, this made Kimberly the gateway to South Africa - well-defended, but very rewarding in terms of the options it would open up.

The Battle of Kimberley ended up producing a Great Leader after much patience.



With Kimberley's fall, the British were in disarray. Such a well-defended, large city crushed like an insect. Links to Namibia and northwestern South Africa were cut as well.

Week 5, China and Britain signed a peace accord.

After wasting god knows how many artillery, De Aar's city defenses were destroyed. (Seriously, the City Defense should be eliminated - it makes it harder to take small cities than medium or large ones)

De Aar's fall opened the path to Cape Town and severed communications with Namibia. Workers were ordered to build a road into Cape Town to facilitate a rapid assault.

Week 9, the British requested peace, even offering to let the Mahdiyah keep all it had taken with no reparations to be paid. They were swiftly turned away.

Their reprisal?

Nothing. They had nothing to use for that.

Someone stole the military plans of the Mahdiyah as well, but the Mahdists didn't care. Britain was on the run!

Scouts reported Cape Town to have 5 Infantry present. Conquest of the town would claim the last British source of iron in Africa, crippling their industrial base.

Sure enough, forces rolled in after liberal bombardment.

Week 13, the Argentines disposed of the Trench Garrison outside Cape Town.

Brazil and the USA signed a protection pact, aligning the two most powerful states in the Americas.

An assault on Port Elizabeth without any artillery support was orchestrated. The sole Col. Infantry was killed off, forcing militia to take up the defense.



The city fell.



Lightly-guarded Port Nollith was next. The British were limited to Durban in the east and Luderitz in the west.

Troops were ordered to seize Luderitz, and drive the British from Namibia.



Luderitz was easy as pie. This left Durban, guarded by humble forces but unable to be taken in a single month. They'd be given time to build up, but all cannons were ordered into position for the coming siege.

..first, of course, they fired upon British ships. Due to the Red Sea being blocked, British merchant fleets sailed around the Cape - putting them in the line of fire along the whole length. As the Brits had been kind enough to build many railways in the area... well, you figure it out.

2 British ships and 2 transports were sunk. Assuming they were full of Indian and Australian booty, that meant 8 units were killed on board.

Week 17, Britain and Germany made peace. This meant the British would be able to get their navies into the open seas within months, and from there they could target the Mahdiyah. As such, peace would have to be made soon to avoid serious reprisal!

The fall of Durban ended Britain's presence in South Africa. They were left with only Villa Cisneros in Western Sahara, which they'd taken from Spain in prior conflicts. Durban had considerable forces - it seemed the British had shipped some in.

Not wanting to go up against British vessels whenever they left the Channel, the Mahdiyah arranged for a peace treaty with Britain.



The British rolled in 7,558 per month, and agreed to pay 40 of it. They were stubborn as they didn't want it to seem like a surrender, but more of a gentleman's admission.

The Mahdiyah had emerged triumphant. The once-proud British Empire had seen the fall of countless territory, going from ruling 23% of the world's land and 23% of its people to 19% and 18%, respectively. The French had been a major cause of this, but the Mahdists had put the squeeze on the African colonies. Canada and Australia growled and demanded more autonomy, and Britain's consolation prize was that despite the loss of Africa - and Malta to Italy - it had gained territories elsewhere and still maintained the crown jewel of India.

As the people drank the finest beverages their money - and Shari'a law - would allow, the Mahdiyah was planning the next wave of expansion, against the heretical Turks.

But that would come later. Now was the time to celebrate the destruction of the Big Devil.

 
France will come in due time; I don't want to be eaten alive by their Cavalry stacks, however. I just need lots of Maxims... and lots of allies... the Islamic world shall be freed from infidels!

Right now I'm picking off the Portuguese and Boer cities. Sorry Hikaro!
 
AoI 4.0, with Ethiopia turned into the Mahdists.
 
==1903 Part II: Cleanup on Isle Africa==

Spoiler :
Before going against the Turks, some soft targets to build new units' experience would be found. This would have a bonus of allowing new cities to build up their productivity.

The Portuguese, ruling one city in Namibia, would be first. After their eviction, the Boers would be crushed; the Boers historically were given good graces because of their usefulness in absorbing British attacks. With the British gone and the French not close enough to have the Boers be utilised in this regard, the Boer Republics were marked for extinction. It would wait 3 months, of course - they were paying tribute in exchange for a right of passage.

Scouts reported Villa Luso to hold 10 Col. Infantry units. Fortunately, 79 Artillery units stood ready to destroy the enemy.

Week 25, war was declared on the Portuguese. They would be evicted from Angola; their city of Bissau was all the way across the Sahara and as such would be left alone, the last Portuguese overseas possession.



At no losses, the city was taken. Portugal had been evicted from every single one of its non-European provinces sans Bissau; the Azores and Madeiras having been taken by Britain in previous wars.

Meanwhile, the Boers were scoped out - Bloemfontein possessed 10 Infantry, 1 City Guard, and several militia. Pretoria had 10. Windhoek had 7. A campaign against the Boers would need many artillery to succeed!

Week 29, Portugal and Persia signed a Pact. Fortunately, the Mahdiyah had no interest in Bissau, and as such, the Pact wouldn't be invoked.

Week 33, Persia declared war on Britain. Britain would at least enjoy a resurgence in power by conquering the area.

An agent of Austria-Hungary's was caught trying to sabotage production in Addis Ababa.

A full-scale assault on Pretoria was ordered, so as to directly link the Cape and the Horn by rail.

One cavalry was lost in the assault so as to weaken the Boers further. After enough damage, the garrison gave way - militiamen took up weapons to try and hold off the massive Mahdist assault. Hispaniola declared war on the Mahdists, but wielding only their home island and the Cook Islands(Which they took from Britain), they weren't too concerning.



Naturally they were crushed, and Pretoria taken. All available Maxims were to be moved to the south, which would cripple Boer retaliatory capabilities. Even if the Boers made any gains, artillery would reverse them.



Also it wasn't known what the British were doing with a doomstack that massive but Enerjak damn.

The Boers moved out - they killed one British labor gang and botched an offensive on Mafeking.

Austria-Hungary, meanwhile, inked a pact with Brazil.



Asmara's completion of a Naval Academy would allow for amphibious troops.

Week 33, word arrived the Brits had hosted the second World Fair and Olympic Games. Translation: the European powers were at Ind. II, which meant military alliances would soon be widespread and chaos rampant.

Bloemfontein was reported to have 8 standard infantry and 2 City Guards based on artillery hits.

During the opening attacks, a Great Leader was spawned!

With many cavalry hurting, the redlined Boers would be attacked by a horde of Mahdist Infantry, all earger to increase their rank and experience.



Bloemfontein fell with no losses, their forces pulverised. The Boers were evicted from their homeland and forced to set up a new capital in the desert town of Windhoek. Meanwhile, Riflemen disposed of all Militia the Boers had strewn about for easy experience.

Meanwhile, the decision was made to open up a narrow strip of the Red Sea, theoretically to ease tensions with Europe. In reality, the Mahdi wanted another area he could get easy shots at European shipping!

Week 41, Windhoek was pounded by artillery, the small garrison cut to ribbons.



The city fell with no losses. The history book closed on the Boer Republics, now Islamic Republics under the suzerainity of the Mahdiyah!

Without leadership, the various bands of Boer cavalry running amock in South Africa all disbanded as they disintegrated due to poor command and deteriorating discipline.

With the Boers gone the greatest threat - in terms of training - in Africa was eliminated. The French would remain a threat, but with each year, the Mahdiyah would grow more impervious to their maneuvers.

It was decided that a year of peace should follow, to build up the vast empire's infrastructure. From there, a massive army could be raised and sent against the Turks. An alliance of all powers on Earth would allow the Turks to be vanquished and pay for their heresy.



The Portuguese came to the table and accepted a humiliating peace, giving a large indemnity and aso resigning their claims to Angola and Mozambique forever.

Now it was time for Chile and Hispaniola. Both refused to talk, but they were of no consequence.

Week 45, the Italians tried to sabotage production in Addis Ababa. Someone also stole the Mahdiyah's military plans. Not that it mattered; the Mahdiyah was virtually unstoppable in Africa now, barring against the French.

Even better, the Horse Artillery divisons finally hit the 100 units mark. 100 cannons could now converge on a single target.

Week 49, it was seen that Britain's empire was collapsing; Central America had annexed Belize whereas the Chileans had seized British Guyana. Mauritius had fallen to Lowland forces. The Japanese had annexed several Pacific Islands as well as the British Philippines. Once-strong Malta was now Italian.

While Britain had claimed the Canaries, Western Sahara, Azores and Madeira, their territories far from home were being picked off.



Meanwhile, the Mahdists had emerged as the masters of Southern and Eastern Africa, with 5% of the world's land, 6% of its population, and a reputation as one of the strongest nations on Earth. It was in 5th place in terms of land and population as well - France, Britain, Russia and the USA offering themselves as rivals.
 
Up next: a year of peace, global anarchy, and purification of the Holy Land...
 
==1904: Africa at Peace, World At War==

Spoiler :
Week 1, the USA and Mexico signed an MPP. This made both of them extra secure, and free to prosecute wars against their neighbors!



The Americans arrogantly claimed themselves the single hope for world peace, and demanded payment for it. The Mahdiyah reluctantly consented.



The Intelligence Agency's completion meant the Europeans would suffer for any transgressions.

Someone also stole the military plans.

The Mahdiyah cooked up a brilliant plan to increase funds - rights of passage, which doubled as non-aggression pacts.

The Mahdiyah started at 40 gpt from other nations. Agreements were reviewed with states such as Germany, resulting in the Mahdiyah beginning to receive money from them, rather than give it to them.

When all was said and done, it had jumped to 136 from other nations!



The Chileans parted with 320 gold for peace.

Week 9, Scandinavia and Siam signed an MPP. ...Okay.

The Lowlands inked peace with Britain and Italy, as well.

Siam declared war on Britain, as a result of its ties with Scandinavia. They would give Burma a headache.

Week 13, a war cascade began as a result of alliance spam. The USA declared war on the Balkans, in particular. China and Italy signed an MPP.



The Artillery School was completed, enabling more accurate cannon and increasing the chances of military leader appearance.

The Great Spending Spree began, with thousands of units of gold poured into improvements to boost production.

Week 17, Central America and La Plata declared war on Cuba.

Mexico allied with Portugal.

Britain, weary of war, inked peace treaties with Scandinavia and Japan.

Russia declared war on the Balkans!

Mexico declared war on Britain; if Britain attacked, that would invoke the USA's wrath and Canada would fall.



The Hispaniolas finally agreed to a peace accord, becoming a tributary state of the Mahdiyah.

Week 21, Britain declared war on Germany. Uruguay and New Granada, as puppets of Russia, declared war on the Balkans.

France declared war on the Balkans; Scandinavia followed. Argentina and Tibet too.

Russia declared war on Japan; Austria-Hungary declared war on Russia!

In a world at war, the Army War college was built, increasing leader appearance chances.

Brazil declared war on Russia; given Russia's ties to Uruguay and New Grenada, it became apparent that a South American War might erupt!

New Grenada declared war on Central America - the former had 6 cities to their 4.

Week 25, the USA declared war on Britain. There goes Canada...

Brazil followed suit in the anti-British effort. The Filipinos right afterward.

Argentina and New Grenada went to war. La Plata soon declared war on New Grenada as well; South America would be in ruins.

A spy ring was set up in Constantinople, and the Turkish hordes were reported - 244 Ottoman Infantry, 98 Cavalry and 33 Machinegunners. Having been at peace for so long, they'd amassed a horde.

By contrast, the Mahdiyah had but 15 MGs, 18 Cavalry, and 49 Riflemen.

Agents in Paris reported 129 French Col. Cavalry and 350 French Col. Infantry. In the event of war, the much of that would be in Africa. Though due to AI drawbacks, much of it would also be in Europe.

Week 29, just about the whole world dogpiled Central America; the Turks also declared war. It was hoped the Turks would ship much of their army overseas.

Russia declared war on Central America, La Plata, and Argentina.

Week 33, nukes flied when Russia and the USA went to war.

...well not really. But it would have been nice.

Germany declared war on the Balkans...

Week 37, Spain declared war on Hispaniola and Britain; America also declared war on Hispaniola.



France, meanwhile, had carved itself a nice Balkan Empire.

Week 41, Portugal and Spain declared war on Austria-Hungary. Japan and Brazil declared war on Spain.

Spain declared war on the Cubans, as well.

The USA and Japan signed a mutual protection pact...

Japan declared war on Britain.

It was official: the world had officially gone Charlie Foxtrot. The Turks and Mahdists were the only sane nations left on Earth!

Week 45, Scandinavia declared war on Russia. New Grenada declared war on Spain.

The USA declared war on New Grenada and Uruguay; increasingly, the Americans were ready to curbstomp all of the Americas.

France declared war on Russia. Germany too. Italy too. All this was the work of the USA.

Week 49, Scandinavia declared war on Spain and Britain.

The USA was at it again, getting the Portuguese and Turks into several wars.

Brazil was led to declare war on New Grenada, while Persia went to war with Russia. Given the fact Central Asia is a colonial region now, that was their funeral.



The buildup period was complete. A year of peace had done wonders for the Mahdiyah, surging its production and enabling a steady increase in the army's size.

Despite only minor increases in manpower, the amount of the power bar occupied by the Mahdists had surged - likely as a result of so many troops being thrown away in wars. Every nation on Earth sans the Mahdiyah was at war.

France had taken Britain's spot as the world's top power, and was ever ready to expand.

Russia, the largest nation on Earth, now was at war on all fronts.

The USA was flexing its muscles, able to convince any country to befriend it against a common foe.

And meanwhile, the Mahdists were planning to end the peace that the Islamic world had enjoyed...
 
Tibet as a position is pretty much screwed - wedged between the British and Chinese.

I am very impressed with Siam and the Filipinos' performance, though. The Filipinos took one of the Pacific Islands, while Siam not only took Burma from Britain, but one of the Philippine Islands.

Hispaniola also took a Pacific Island - the Pacific Islands I added for my copy of the mod are pretty weakly defended so switch hands regularly.

Japan is scary with how fast they're pushing across the Pacific. I'm eager to see what comes of their battle with Russia.

Russia as a whole is kind of screwed - America united all of Europe against them, France included. I wouldn't be surprised if the USA emerges as the supreme power of this scenario as the French exhaust their hordes on Russia.

Despite having hundreds of units, the Ottomans keep most of them out of Africa. So snagging Libya should be easy enough. I'll be sure to get the entire world against the Ottomans, too, so they begin to bleed troops in so many directions, leaving Arabia for me.
 
Really liking this story! Just wondering, are all the civ playable? If I ever try this, I want a real challenge, like you and Hikaro have chosen. I was thinking Tibet.
 
I change a lot of my mods, yes. In this one, I not only gave the Mahdists enough of a defensive force to fulfill their historical role, but also littered many islands with coal and iron. Central Asia, Manchuria, and Korea are now Colonial regions, too.

@ Toxicman:

All civs playable, yes.

As for the Mahdists - they're not quite as challenging as other small positions. They start with four cities, and also have a small bit of cavalry and infantry to make them capable of harassing Europeans in the area. Other small positions start with barely anything.

Of course, then again, as the Mahdists you have to be opportunistic to be able to crush the British and French positions. France will be one hell of an enemy.
 
==1905: Africa At War Part I==

Spoiler :
Week 1

New Wars

Italy-Spain.
France-Britain.
Tibet-Britain

And of course, the long anticipated Mahdist-Turkish.

Britain, the USA, Scandinavia and Spain were brought in against the Turks. The Turks would be pinned down; it was hoped the USA would use its vast resources to bring more powers against the Ottoman Empire.

Against the might of dozens of cannons, the large garrison was torn apart. Another leader was born, spawning a fourth Corps.



The city fell, Mahdist Riflemen disposing of the weaker defenders for easy experience. Benghazi's area of influence stretched deep into Libya; an attack on Murzuk would be next, with Tripoli to follow. Some of the Turkish fleet was scuttled in Benghazi's harbor.

Four Turkish ships were destroyed in the Red Sea to minimise their threat in the region.

End of Week 1 Ottoman stats: Cavalry - 106; Infantry - 257

Week 5

Week 5, the USA brought the Brazilians, Mexicans and Chileans against the Turks.

Week 5 Ottoman stats: Cavalry - 102; Infantry - 256

Most importantly, regarding Week 5:


Link to video.

France invaded the Mahdiyah!

3 French Col. Cavalry were killed at no losses; their offensive lost its momentum.

Argentina and Tibet joined France.

The USA and the usual great powers were brought in. The Mahdiyah was in the thick of it now - a global war that would determine the fate of Africa and indeed, the world. Hopefully, the British, Scandinavians, Americans and Spanish coming down on France would keep them from unleashing their hordes.

With France now a nemesis, it was decided to ignore the Turks until Egypt could be captured. The Trans-Egyptian Railway was vital to any campaign against the Turks; if supply lines weren't re-established, Libya would fall.

Cairo was reported to hold 10 Infantry, but a HUGE amount of ships. Sawakin had 10 units as well. Wadi Halfa had but 5.

All of Cairo's units were redlined.

Cairo fell with no losses, giving complete control of the Suez Canal to the Mahdiyah.

The High Command saw dozens of artillery remaining, and ordered a blitz into Wadi Haifa. Such a move would allow Egypt to link up with the rest of Africa and thus prevent a collapse of the Turkish Front.



With that, the Trans-Egyptian Railway was secured. All spare artillery were ordered to shell French and Ottoman ships. The result was the sinking of 3 Turkish and 1 French vessel.

With Egypt secured, all artillery were ordered to redline the French invaders so Riflemen could dispose of them.

In total, the French lost 11 invading units. Another Army was born from the epic struggle.

French end of turn: 120 French Infantry, 39 Legionaires, 367 Col. Infantry, 99 Cavalry
Turkish end of turn: 253 Infantry, 97 Cavalry
Mahdist end of turn: 60 Riflemen, 19 Cavalry, 23 Maxims, 5 Corps
 
==1905: Africa at War Part II==

Spoiler :
It was not known how many troops the French could muster in Africa, but it was known that eliminating their bases in the south was vital - such a move would allow a unified front against the French. This was necessary, given that France likely had a large amount of cavalry ready to strike at any moment. The good news was that France's vast territory was horribly undeveloped in places, and this meant their movement eastward could be hindered.

To prevent a collapse of the united front, all the usual powers were brought against Tibet and Argentina. In the midts of all the wars, a great war between the Mahdiyah and the great powers on one side and the Turks, French, Tibets and Argentines on the other raged.

Week 9,

Italy signed an MPP with Austria-Hungary to protect eachother in a chaotic world. The Lowlands joined the anti-Russian effort.

Mexico declared war on France.

2 units were lost to France, but they lost 4.

11 French units had invaded the Mahdiyah; they were marked for death.

9 Turkish units were harassing Benghazi, and so the local cavalry were tasked with disposing of them.

When they were disposed of, dozens of artillery remained ready for use; the French had also been ejected.



Sawakin welcomed the arrival of Mahdi troops, having a strong dislike for the French and being fellow Muslims.

With Sawakin secured, that took pressure off Sudan and Egypt.

It was decided to move against Bulawayo, the southernmost French position on the continent. Eliminating it would lessen the burden on Maxim gunners, who often had to protect worker bands.



Bulawayo fell with no losses, ending another French colony.

Week 9 French Troops: 391 Col. Infantry(includes Legionaires and Senegalese Infantry); 79 Col. Cavalry
Week 9 Turkish Troops: 242 Infantry, 92 Cavalry
Week 9 Mahdist Troops: 24 Maxims, 18 Cavalry, 62 Riflemen, 137 Horse Artillery, 16 Mountain Guns, 24 Field Cannons, 5 Corps

Week 13, China declared war on France. Germany declared war on Tibet, and Portugal on the Turks.

Italy and Austria declared war on the French, not due to the USA's actions, however.

The USA declared war on Spain, and China on the Portuguese.

A French attack killed one Rifleman.

China declared war on the USA.

4 French cavalry had invaded the Mahdiyah; they were disposed of.

With a good assortment of troops eliminated, focus was turned towards Angola.



One of the French cities fell, leaving Luanda as a target.



Luanda was also easy prey. The remaining artillery were ordered to provide relief to the British by shelling Broken Hill.

Week 17, Tibet declared war on China. Japan did as well.



Fort Archambault, lightly guarded, fell easily enough. It would take pressure off numerous cities and also put a massive hole in French defensive lines.

While the fort was strengthened with units, it was decided all artillery would have to take out the massive French incursion - 11 Col. Infantry and 7 Col. Cavalry.

A great leader was produced by the cleanup operation - a sixth Corps!

The French were devestated - any stack of forces they sent against the Mahdiyah would be destroyed with ease. Though the Mahdists were fewer in number, they made more efficient use of their resources.

46 Horse Batteries and 8 units - 2 Corps, 4 Cavalry, and 2 Maxims were ferried onto Crete. It was time to colonise Europe.

Mahdist EoT: 27 Maxims, 18 Cavalry, 66 Infantry
Turks EoT: 236 Infantry, 66 Cavalry
French EoT: 342 Col. Infantry, 68 Col. Cavalry

 
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