Any one who reads the Friday thread knows that I play two games: Warlock & Civ IV Beyond the Sword. That's not entirely true, but, for the sake of argument, we'll go with that. What I also like to do is talk and as contributing to a forum is like talking with your fingers, I like to do that, too. So, it looks like I will be inflicting myself upon you, gentle groghead, once again.
I have been playing a lot of BTS again recently and I have noticed that a tactic I once looked down upon, using the Slavery Civic to finish Production in a city, is actually a pretty good tactic. The attendant Unhappiness hit can be managed with buildings and resources, so, why not? I have kept up scientifically in most of the games and been prepared to meet my foes on the field of battle even, or ahead, in technology. So I thought, "Maybe I can apply this tactic to moving up to Monarch." And thus, an AAR was born. I mean, why fail miserably by yourself when it's more entertaing to invite the rest of the world to watch?
Now, I will admit that I am not ready for the full on assault of Domination or Conquest Victory Conditions and Space Race might be beyond my reach as well, so, I will be using Cultural as my only VC. Three cities with 50,000 Culture points each (known as Legendary). That means a lot of Wonder building and making money to adjust your Culture slider for added Points. In light of that, I chose Louis XIV of France as my ruler. His favorite Civic is Hereditary Rule and his traits are Industrious and Creative. The former gives +2 Culture per city along with double production speed of Library, Theater and Colosseum. The latter gives a 50 percent increase in Wonder production and double production speed of Forge.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2FCiv4ScreenShot0106_zps8b88217a.jpg&hash=948bff1d5f1f6ecc270298f30f7599d3bd12639f) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/Civ4ScreenShot0106_zps8b88217a.jpg.html)
Yes, I am trying to stack the deck in my favor. It will already be a tough enough row to hoe with the Monarch penalties I face (what they are I do not know, but, they are stiffer than for Prince). I will not, however, choose my A.I. opponents. Let the chips fall where they may. I also chose a Standard map with five A.I.'s along with me. That is one less than the Standard map starts with. And I also chose Continents rather than Pangaea or Fractal, which make one supercontinent. This may be a mistake. Often, isolating a culture on a continent with noone to trade with, or at most, one or two others, can be scientific suicide. In any case, those are the parameters.
One last thing. I very much want to complete this. However, I find that my time is not as free as it once was, so, this AAR may be sporadic and slow. Glacially at times. It is a condition of my narcissism that I think any one will read this, much less follow it all the way to the end, but if you do, I thank you in advance for doing so and for your patience and perseverance. Now, on with the show!
reading with interest - unleash the culture bomb
Thanks, geek! :)
My initial city site nets me two Clams, one Fish, one Cow and that's all. A good start that will have my city growing rapidly. There is a goodly amount of forest that needs to come down, too. The extra hammers for chopping them down will be essential for whatever Wonders I choose to build early. The food Resources will help keep population up for the Slavery civic trick. For those not in the know, with the Slavery civic, you can sacrifice population to complete whatever you are building in that city.
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The Wheel and Agriculture are as far away from being helpful initially to my goals as to be almost criminal. I need Bronze Working to be able to chop down forests and implement the Slavery Civic. Fishing allows me Work Boats which allows me to work the Clams and Fish. Animal Husbandry does the same for Cows. And to top it all off, the first Wonder I usually shoot for is The Oracle, which gives a free Technology to its builder. I always turn that tech into Metal Casting, which allows Forge. So, I have my work cut out for me.
I go with Mysticism as it allows Monuments, which generate +1 culture per turn and Stonehenge, a World Wonder that puts a Monument in each city.
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With Mysticism discovered, my next Tech will be Hunting. You can build a Camp, which allows you to take advantage of Resources that need it to be used in your Civ. Things such as Elephants, Deer and Beaver require Camps. You also get Spearmen which can only be built if you have access to Copper or Iron. And finally, you can build a Scout. In the early game, a Scout is essential to opening the map and popping goody huts.
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Speaking of popped goody huts, my Warrior just opened one and out popped Pottery! A very useful Tech. It gives you the ability to build a Granary, which stores half the food it normally takes to increase the population of your city each time you gain a population point. That's key for the use of the Slavery Civic to complete production. You are draining your city of population each time you use it to finish production and being able to regain population rapidly is key.
The other benefit you get enables your Workers to build Cottages. Now, Cottages are an unsung key to this game. Have you ever been low on Gold and wish you had more? Your problem is not enough Cottages built and not enough built early in the game. The amount of Gold you harvest from Cottages as they grow and the Turns pass is like compound interest in motion. Not an entirely accurate description, but, the sentiment is the same. Build Cottages early and often!
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that's it? that's all we get out the gate? that's not even foreplay - it's just mediocre flirting. Get to writing, man!
A quick peek at our surroundings after ten Turns. I am at the bottom of the map as evidenced by the Tundra terrain in the bottom left hand corner. And there is only one other Resource to be seen, Sheep, also in the lower left. Not as good a start as I had hoped. Happiness Resources are key to the S(lavery) C(ivic) T(actic) and having them in your control is WAY better than having to trade for them. That's how wars are usually started.
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Quote from: bayonetbrant on July 06, 2013, 12:54:06 PM
that's it? that's all we get out the gate? that's not even foreplay - it's just mediocre flirting. Get to writing, man!
Just bound and determined to find out my secrets, aren't you Brant? ;) Seriously though, I'm playing and composing. I play fast and write slow. And that's the only secret you are getting. Use it at your own risk :)
OK better... more AAR. Yay. (https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fl.yimg.com%2Fus.yimg.com%2Fi%2Fmesg%2Femoticons7%2F36.gif&hash=09b3303f6b2744393fda61bb5860480c038e1b94)
Mining is next. It allows your Workers to build Mines which add hammers to the plot being mined. It also allows you the use of Resources requiring mines to be accessed: Copper, Gold, Uranium, etc.
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I always allow my city to grow to 2 population before I start building Settlers and Workers, so, my third Warrior is built and it is time for my first Settler. It will take 20 Turns for it to be built and in that time, I need to pop more goody huts and pray for Gold and discover Bronze Working, Archery, Meditation, Priesthood and Animal Husbandry. Oh, and Fishing. Not going to happen all in twenty Turns.
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Of all the things I desperately need to research, I choose Animal Husbandry. It's not for the revelation of Horses, which it will be good to know where they are, but for the ability for my Workers to build a Pasture. Cows need the Pasture to be accessed (as do Horses) and the hammer and food boost from Cows is significant in the early game.
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NOW comes Bronze Working. It won't be in time to reveal Copper on the map before my Settler is done, but I will know quickly where to shoot for when the next city is ready. No, Bronze Working it is for two reasons 1) the Slavery Civic and 2) chopping down trees. It's just that 15 Turns is a lot. No help for it.
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Due East is where the next city is going. I need to get Cottages up and running A.S.A.P. and Flood Plains make the best spots to build them. Animal Husbandry also revealed Horses inside Paris' fat cross. That is another good Resource for producing extra hammers early in the game.
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The blue circles indicate the best place to build a city. I do NOT like building a city on a Flood Plains, but, I am going to trust the computer on this one this time. The hit to my research by founding a city with only 22 Gold in the bank may be what takes me down, but, I need to grow my civ. Can't win Cultural without at least three cities ;)
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And now it is 12 Gold :( The forest is too valuable to me if I chop it down rather than having it be removed without benefit to me. I pay the 10 Gold.
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Orleans comes into being and a Monument goes up. The unfortunate thing is, my Gold starts to go down as evidenced by the count in the top left hand corner.
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A collective groan goes up from the population as Bronze Working is discovered and Slavery is instituted.
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Meditation is next and then it will be Priesthood. Then it is time to build The Oracle. By the time both are discovered, I should have two Workers on the board and be a chopping fool!
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Looks like it was a good idea (for now) to have built Orleans where the computer suggested. Copper is now available to me.
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Nothing like being at the bottom of the heap :P
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FINALLY got a Scout built. Now it is time for a Granary.
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As with all Tech dilemmas, you need each one of them right now, but can only get them one at a time. Worse off, there are no A.I.'s to trade with yet. I am getting the sinking feeling that I am on an island.
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The Granary has now been built in Paris and it is time for The Oracle. I have three Workers on the board right now and with two of them sprucing things up around Orleans, the third takes to forestry.
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The first use of SCT (Slavery Civic Tactic) will be in Orleans. It's counterproductive to use population to increase the ability to build population faster, but, I have sneaking suspicion that I am going to need all the help I can get in order to even be in this game at all.
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Things are loosening up enough that I may be able to put Paris into prodution of Work Boats in order to get Clams and Fish active. So, Fishing it is.
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On second thought, Copper is making a big enough difference to production that the Granary will be built more rapidly than I had anticipated. So I will hold off on the SCT for this. Besides, until I can figure out how to keep it growing, Orleans population growth is Stagnant.
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The Oracle is built! Hoo-RAY!! While Iron Working and especially Code of Laws are enticing, Metal Casting is where it is at!
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The Barbarians are starting to swarm now. An Archer to the north of Paris and a Warrior to the south. So, a Chariot is going to be built.
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It's the Classical Era and I haven't even discovered Archery yet?!? :o
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Good stuff MD. While I only play Civ V now I'll enjoy reading this nonetheless.
Thank you, Tent. You are always generous in your support.
Ok. With a couple of exceptions, my Scout has revealed my land mass. I am on a small continent at the southern end of the globe. That's good and bad and for many of the same reasons.
Good: I can grow my empire in (relative) peace. With no neighbors, I have no fear of organized aggression. I should also be able to use all the Resources on this continent for my own benefit.
Bad: As I am by myself, I have noone to trade with economically or technologically. The Resources I do have are mostly Food based.
Finally, without neighbors, I have no idea how to gauge my progress relative to the rest of the board. Am I taking chances I don't need to in order to keep up? Or is my progress glacially slow and no amount of knowledge will help?
Anyways, here is a list of the type and amount of Resources I will have if I colonize this continent by myeslf:
Sheep-4
Stone-1
Horses-2
Cows-1
Copper-1
Sugar-4
Deer-4
Crabs-1
Wheat-2
Clams-3
Fish-2
My citizens will be healthy in large cities, but I will have to work magic and spend beaucoup dollares to keep happiness up. Especially if I can't found one of the Religions.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0137_zpsd5688c7c.jpg&hash=f059339bf160a5880ad22f576104c4bd730a46f0) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0137_zpsd5688c7c.jpg.html)
I find Code of Laws to be one of the most important Techs in the game. Not only can you found a Religion, but, the Courthouse reduces (City) Distance from Capitol costs by 50%. All your buildings require a Gold Piece upkeep. The further away your city is from the capitol, the bigger the penalty applied to your upkeep for that city. Courthouse halves that. Thereby giving you access to more of the Gold you are generating. On top of all that, Code of Laws is required Research for Civil Service and Constitution, both important Techs in their own right.
However, with the extended Research time, (26 Turns, which I will reduce to 21 before I end this Turn), it is a long ass time to research anything. And if I don't get the Religion, as valuable as Laws is, I will have made a serious error in not going for Iron Working or another valuable Tech with less Research time.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0136_zpscaec7aa0.jpg&hash=4d94374248af8ec0ee76ca9f7bd51da2204ae996) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0136_zpscaec7aa0.jpg.html)
The new city of Lyons. Due east of here, there is the beginnings of a land mass. Whether it is an island or a continent, I do not know, but, my neighbors will most likely come from that direction, so I will build towards it.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0138_zps2946bc25.jpg&hash=8a8182b700c5560f9910dc7f5b9948ebb2a94599) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0138_zps2946bc25.jpg.html)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0139_zps1e4bcac1.jpg&hash=735770f000fdf51c2be0fd9d7228f202377f3223) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0139_zps1e4bcac1.jpg.html)
AWESOME-MATIC!!! I am the first to discover Code of Laws!!! Confucianism, you are MINE! Along with the Religion and Courthouses, I can build the Chichen Itza World Wonder. It gives a Defense Bonus to each of my cities. I will at least get a jump on building it.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0140_zpsb0196337.jpg&hash=f20c9e3718c450bd3fd17713df3106fe187fe72d) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0140_zpsb0196337.jpg.html)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0141_zps37feda63.jpg&hash=906475957234060e168b3731761a48b0f020af78) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0141_zps37feda63.jpg.html)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0142_zpsbf8e7efd.jpg&hash=4de240a0c94fc522b3e82a0a3308c52288dd222b) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0142_zpsbf8e7efd.jpg.html)
The core of Empire. France circa 425 BC.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0143_zpsa8a8925b.jpg&hash=40a0bca38ecc9ac91170d59347a3148fbdbe8cff) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0143_zpsa8a8925b.jpg.html)
Apparently, my whopping 4 GP does not rank me in high stead. Bummer.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0144_zps52c77c19.jpg&hash=f5bd06bc99d997bfdc99213316c19ad9e015104c) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0144_zps52c77c19.jpg.html)
Now, for the first SCT. Building a Forge gives me access to the Colossus World Wonder. So, I am going to sacrifice 2 Population in Orleans to build the Forge and then the Colossus.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0145_zpsd587f5ee.jpg&hash=b2ce9f71120f1af93f6cca5bec3e7c09df069537) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0145_zpsd587f5ee.jpg.html)
And it always interests me how the AI chooses to interpret its governance of my cities. The distribution of my population to the tiles inside my fat cross is optimized for building the Forge in the first screenie. In the second (below), growth of population is emphasized. You can choose which direction you want the AI to run your city using the buttons at the bottom of the City Screen (pictured below). You can focus on growth, gold, poduction, etc. I always choose balanced. Which is the default.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0146_zps213bd686.jpg&hash=de3d37a716f714b41ea074846838b8afcdf241ae) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0146_zps213bd686.jpg.html)
World Wonders are fantastic bulk generators of Culture Points. Hence, great to have in a game whos VC is three cities with 50,000 Culture Points per. The benefits they bestow on your Empire are pretty sweet, too.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0147_zps5cd2b0e4.jpg&hash=2017c56d771bc28e25531b3d425401417d7cd1b5) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0147_zps5cd2b0e4.jpg.html)
Certain wold events show up on the screen regardless of whether or not you know where they are hapening. Founding of Religions is one. And I was just notified that Christianity has been founded. The screenie shows where Theology is on the Science Screen. All Techs you have researched prior are green. All the ones you have not researched are in, I guess that's purple and grey. Someone is either WAY ahead Technologically or they had the ability to do as I did with Code of Laws and jump out ahead on the research trail.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0148_zpsa8eadc79.jpg&hash=299ac5fd9976271b9e448edd5621eba32210b9b1) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0148_zpsa8eadc79.jpg.html)
A look at the land mass due east of Lyons. A nice little island with one resource, Stone, and very little else to recommend itself. I'll get to it if I can. I seriously need two or three moe cities A.S.A.P., but I don't want to kill my economy and research. damn delicate balancing act!!! I would kill for some knowledge of where I am globally against my neighbors.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0149_zps4f09825d.jpg&hash=e03e431b88c7efc3b984d17696a86bbeed99c59d) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0149_zps4f09825d.jpg.html)
Orleans gets the Colossus! W00T!!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0150_zps353e521f.jpg&hash=e51b1fcf6a88e90339e0250829d1e474777b07ae) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0150_zps353e521f.jpg.html)
Back to back turns! Paris builds Chichen Itza! Double W00T!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0151_zps103cb3b4.jpg&hash=4121e6ab3d29350534d941078c5bd292328e08cf) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0151_zps103cb3b4.jpg.html)
Half a million people? That's pretty good for three cities at the turn of the millenium.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0152_zps3ffc3b17.jpg&hash=cab46cc0cae3900b9ebf4559bc5c8e1f318849fd) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0152_zps3ffc3b17.jpg.html)
Last turn, a Great prophet came to Paris. I sent him on to Orleans. There, he was used to make the Kong Miao. The supreme building of the Confucian faith. The building spreads Confucianism and as the possessor of that building, you gain one GP per city that Confucianism is in. Every little bit of Gold helps.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0153_zpsa2523baa.jpg&hash=f085037a8babaa605825daf04975fb0fc12dc258) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0153_zpsa2523baa.jpg.html)
Meanwhile in Lyons, SCT will be used to make a Courthouse.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0154_zpsd4b7b6c0.jpg&hash=fd26dd2589e202ebe5b48057fbf1a365ef457b76) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0154_zpsd4b7b6c0.jpg.html)
I just discovered Iron Working. The good news is: there are two Iron Resources available to me. The bad news: one is in the middle of an ice plain and the other is on that little island due east. I'm generally against building cities in bad locations just to get an important Resource. And Iron is suitably important to fit that bill. So I am going to build a Galley and a Settler and an Archer and send them over to the island.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0155_zpse4eea42b.jpg&hash=e4fff9535a60635cb763b1a8debd70a27417947d) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0155_zpse4eea42b.jpg.html)
This is a dilemma. Whatever benefit that could be derived from building 7 Triremes must be weighed against the cost of supporting them. As I do not know the specific benefit awaiting me for completing this quest, I am going to pass on it. The cost for me far outweighs an unknown benefit.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0156_zps121bd970.jpg&hash=98b0e0243e69c8f6e6385043567cf07957faf61c) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0156_zps121bd970.jpg.html)
Monarchy will allow me Hereditary Rule. Which in turn, will allow me one :) for each unit stationed in a city. Aesthetics will be next. There are three World Wonders to be built by discovering that Tech.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0157_zps733e1b4f.jpg&hash=5aaf79c6a7303ac1453a900958e83b7f4c042748) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0157_zps733e1b4f.jpg.html)
Second time in three millenia! Careless bastiges >:(
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0158_zps8508c9f6.jpg&hash=c463d195592c3ff56c0a951545d2fa671486493a) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0158_zps8508c9f6.jpg.html)
One million souls! Didn't seem to take the second five hundred thousand NEAR as long as the first five.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0160_zpsd5d967ec.jpg&hash=a51e77d0d048cc6adf599d2d5ea5df42b12d4023) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0160_zpsd5d967ec.jpg.html)
This next screen is the only way I can get any information at all about the other civs on the board. It's not near as specific as you might like, but, this way I can tell how I am doing in relation to the rest of the world. And while Manufacturing and population are top half, everything else is :P The good news is, I have room to expand and thus, improve. A little optimism until I meet the rest of the crew.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0161_zpsed9a9ffb.jpg&hash=c281db47037206d61ad91d51d0955c0ffb9b274a) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0161_zpsed9a9ffb.jpg.html)
And just a peek at the top five cities on the board. I own two of them. I don't know if that translates to a culture point lead, but it can't hurt.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0162_zps6fa3b57b.jpg&hash=c06d2a9cf6c6a130424770e882daf930492852f9) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0162_zps6fa3b57b.jpg.html)
43 GP buys you fifth place. Who knew?
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0163_zps3737cfc9.jpg&hash=e2144188733ae3da3bfb1110d39e03529e000030) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0163_zps3737cfc9.jpg.html)
A coup for Paris! The Parthenon is +10 culture per Turn +2 Great People points AND gives half again the Great People points per Turn. Suh-WEET!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0165_zps5c70c694.jpg&hash=f637bfae754394ef803e86c4d367abd57b10da3d) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0165_zps5c70c694.jpg.html)
FINALLY! A chance to bring the Sugar Resource into play. That means Calendar is next up to be Researched.
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The barbarians set up shop in probably the best spot on the coast. I would have had to build a city there myself, so, they saved me the trouble. I just took it.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0167_zps6c87030a.jpg&hash=5109b20c614cc97049c9e0a5625fa7d786946afc) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0167_zps6c87030a.jpg.html)
Let's see where Two Million souls puts us!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0168_zpsb1d1ffd0.jpg&hash=0fd78b0e111011e7bef68ae22b9cad82a8130341) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0168_zpsb1d1ffd0.jpg.html)
In the immortal words of Hoyt, "Not too good." :( I'm in the bottom half of all the statistics. And judging from the Square KM of land in my Empire as compared to everyone else, I better get a move on!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0169_zps72adf353.jpg&hash=49d47beca7ae2de30b38e0697e0290844b312ee3) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0169_zps72adf353.jpg.html)
Calendar gives me perspective on where I am in the world. It appears I am in the south west corner.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0170_zps19b99f92.jpg&hash=05f1cbb2b799f374dc6679b80151a84c9993a5cd) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0170_zps19b99f92.jpg.html)
A Granary for Tours. Courtesy of SCT.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0171_zps2960e7d9.jpg&hash=1d043baaf2ec567078def5ea6c723d09ed2ec55f) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0171_zps2960e7d9.jpg.html)
Damn vermin!!!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0172_zps7ec117b6.jpg&hash=2b10c9a7d28cd6ef95e307a8378c24aecc962567) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0172_zps7ec117b6.jpg.html)
And the moment I have feared since finding out I was on an island by myself. Peter the Great has found me and has almost DOUBLE my score.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0173_zps8535a562.jpg&hash=247ab6f5a668335ce172794ea18be97712cca80d) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0173_zps8535a562.jpg.html)
Misery and woe! He has at least eight Techs better than me. And those are only the ones he has that I can research!! He most likely has several past that, too. :(
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And his eleven cities to my six is pretty bad, too.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0174_zps692e83b2.jpg&hash=5e2c3d695bf5eab142c983af0f3d4311d3777f12) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0174_zps692e83b2.jpg.html)
I proposed Open Borders and he accepted. At least now I can get access to overseas trade. The other positive to this is that none of my opponents can get me until they research Astronomy. And as far ahead of me as I think they are, Astronomy is not in the too distant future, but until then, I can try to improve. And who knows, maybe Peter is kicking everyones ass and I will find allies in the world, non?
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0176_zpse85e9af2.jpg&hash=564970dad3a739c674e8ebd9d38f87c1c15d7b93) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0176_zpse85e9af2.jpg.html)
Time to SCT the Courthouse in Rheims.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0177_zps5beecb89.jpg&hash=8ce8822ca7ff3d0c51587835eeaa8b4b5a8fd603) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0177_zps5beecb89.jpg.html)
The second barbarian city to infest my lands. Not any more ;)
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I don't know who built it, but, I lost out on the Shwedagon Paya World Wonder by one Turn. ONE STINKIN' TURN!!! The 444 Gold is useful, but, I wanted the Wonder for the Culture and Great People points.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0179_zps426673c6.jpg&hash=7cd3114ad0da537c19b776247a820946922d512e) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0179_zps426673c6.jpg.html)
The Market in Orleans is SCT.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0180_zps7820b124.jpg&hash=af4951828e597f61a0bd390ce87ea90f48a87e26) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0180_zps7820b124.jpg.html)
Buddhism is here thanks to Peter. I'm hoping the Kong Miao will start spreading confucianism beyond my borders.
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Discovery of Feudalism brings me to the Medieval Era. It's 1390 AD and I am late arriving here. Machinery will be next. Followed by Optics, I think. I have to build a Caravel and go find people. If I don't, Astronomy will be discovered, Peter will build his fleet and come wipe me out.
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My Empire. One Turn shy of 200 for the game. Four of my eight cities have been added in the last fifty Turns. My research is down to 50%. Peter is still nearly double me in points and I have to continue to hope that he is a runaway train and the rest of the AI's are closer to me.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0183_zpsc1b69483.jpg&hash=67e73368b2698999a56276a2a59a337cc7e82d2d) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0183_zpsc1b69483.jpg.html)
This is gonna be a tough one MD. And missing out on a wonder by one turn is just about the worst thing ever in Civ! >:(
Dang
'phro, looks like you're gonna be fighting a major uphill battle for a while. Here's hoping you can pull it off!
Quote from: TheCommandTent on July 07, 2013, 11:34:22 PM
And missing out on a wonder by one turn is just about the worst thing ever in Civ! >:(
Indeed. I winced when I read that.
nice AAR so far
those Civ IV graphics look so backwards compared to Civ V, but what's really bad is that I think they look more simplistic than Civ III's graphics! :-\
Quote from: bayonetbrant on July 08, 2013, 11:46:22 AM
nice AAR so far
those Civ IV graphics look so backwards compared to Civ V, but what's really bad is that I think they look more simplistic than Civ III's graphics! :-\
Thank you.
Do you really think so? I always thought III's graphics were tops. Especially after II looking like it did. But once I installed IV, I thought I had hit the jackpot!
I like V best, but I like III next. IV looked too cartoonish for me.
Quote from: MetalDog on July 08, 2013, 11:33:56 PM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on July 08, 2013, 11:46:22 AM
nice AAR so far
those Civ IV graphics look so backwards compared to Civ V, but what's really bad is that I think they look more simplistic than Civ III's graphics! :-\
Thank you.
Do you really think so? I always thought III's graphics were tops. Especially after II looking like it did. But once I installed IV, I thought I had hit the jackpot!
Wait till you play Civ V the graphics are excellent. My favorite might be the terrain.
It appears that I am as powerless as I think I am. Low man on the scrotum pole. What's worse is that Peter is fourth. How much further ahead must the others be?
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0184_zpsb0deba40.jpg&hash=06e64685f9f28ce0d370450c17cc782a98567fc6) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0184_zpsb0deba40.jpg.html)
FINALLY! Optics is here and I can find out how far behind I am in this mess.
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The same turn I discovered Optics, I made a Confucian Missionary. As long as I have an Open Borders agreement, I can use my Caravel to drop him off and explore rival territory.
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genuinely interested for the next updates here MD - keep up good work
A poorly framed screenie, but, if you look at the minimap, you can see where Peter is in relation to where I am. Pretty f-ing close to have taken so long to find me. Now it's seriously imperative I close some of this Tech gap. If his units get too far ahead of me, Astronomy will be my downfall. Make the soldiers, load'em up in transports (as my friend Tuna so loudly proclaims is neccessary) and off they sail to whoop my ass!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0187_zps2478f9e5.jpg&hash=bdfdfcfb6ffa17295f4d85f664920b5a581d3263) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0187_zps2478f9e5.jpg.html)
Quote from: undercovergeek on July 13, 2013, 01:42:51 PM
genuinely interested for the next updates here MD - keep up good work
Thanks, geek. Playing and writing as we speak.
Not dead last in any one thing except Approval Rating. Encouraging, but oh so far to go.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0188_zps2051bab5.jpg&hash=078bdbdac737d1df45302c9ae8a070971c473837) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0188_zps2051bab5.jpg.html)
Where I am at in my pursuit of Legendary Culture. This is about as good as can be expected without beaucoup Wonders and buildings that produce Culture. I do own two of the Top 5 Cities in the World, so, I have that going for me, but, as has been the refrain so far, I need more Tech to get a chance at more Wonders.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0190_zpsd19ad027.jpg&hash=79b37fdddac7ff595ed33bb19d9e45b8c35e47aa) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0190_zpsd19ad027.jpg.html)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0189_zps91e99e1e.jpg&hash=41316217f1cc1438c60467ba4941219444796536) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0189_zps91e99e1e.jpg.html)
The second of the Civs I share this world with, Montezuma. He is only ~ 600 points ahead of me. MUCH better than being doubled.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0191_zps40bf4537.jpg&hash=19fd15981e370f22b361c6460ecd6fa5aabe83da) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0191_zps40bf4537.jpg.html)
He is several Techs in front of me at the least and is not inclined at all to trade with me. The one thing to take away from this is that I have a Tech to trade, Drama.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0192_zps0ae51391.jpg&hash=183e888831087288629df43c96bbb756dffa2b41) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0192_zps0ae51391.jpg.html)
After a quick check of trade relations, I see that Peter does not have Drama either. He trades me Horseback Riding and some Gold for the new Tech.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0193_zps0086587c.jpg&hash=abaf44d58f6b731053bcb9df2aa74a85e37d8e98) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0193_zps0086587c.jpg.html)
A quick shot of what I have explored of Peter's lands. The up side is that his troops are no more advanced than mine with the exception of Macemen. I am currently researching Civil Service to rectify that now.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0194_zps258f42ec.jpg&hash=42e2154a9b25bc6a4b4d29c1322c543023848299) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0194_zps258f42ec.jpg.html)
is an attack on the cards?
Quote from: undercovergeek on July 13, 2013, 02:13:47 PM
is an attack on the cards?
From me or him? Until a couple of turns ago, noone had Astronomy, which gives the ability to traverse Ocean and the ability to build Galleons (transports). Peter has since discovered it, but I do not thinkan attack by him is imminent. Our relations are Cautious. The fact that I have land that is favorable to build cities might send him down here with a Settler and some troops to man it, but I do not think an attac is being hatched. Yet.
Goth gets a Market. Courtesy of SCT.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0195_zpse2ea60c4.jpg&hash=52c6382917e4cefeba11229514f79ed315972ca0) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0195_zpse2ea60c4.jpg.html)
I would normally tell him to gt bent, but, he is far ahead of me. Even though he can't get to me currently, the AI is like an elephant. They never forget. So I give him the map.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0196_zps58e199e5.jpg&hash=2f9552e98c19fa84e0ea16faaa3757bc501a463a) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0196_zps58e199e5.jpg.html)
As soon as my Caravel comes within sight of Montezuma's borders, I immediately meet Lincoln and Genghis Khan. I thought I had taken several screenshots showing the differences between me and the new cultures, but all I got was the Greet screen. Genghis is ahead of me, but does not have Drama. Lincoln is half my score, and most likely someone's bitch, but his research is ahead of mine.
All in all, as long as the last Civ is not miles ahead of everyone else, I am not doing as poorly as I had feared. I am still way behind Tech wise, but, I have cause to be (cautiously) optimistic about my future on the board. What I really need now is to build two more cities to fill in the areas the AI will try to build in once they can reach my continent.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0197_zpsae60cc32.jpg&hash=19e18bb95089c78d94c538ee90b0acfeb8500368) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0197_zpsae60cc32.jpg.html)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0198_zpse9987650.jpg&hash=21a51c354ffadb34c2bd0957bb0f2b2886394086) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0198_zpse9987650.jpg.html)
Just a quick screenie to show the scores relative to one another. And to show that I have chosen Music as my next Research. I don't see that anyone else has researched it yet and if I can get to it first, I have a free Great Artist and the ability to build another Wonder.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0199_zpsb19a33a6.jpg&hash=0b4e04a2aa26bf674028e83bfbbd58af8939fff5) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0199_zpsb19a33a6.jpg.html)
Quote from: MetalDog on July 13, 2013, 02:26:32 PM
Quote from: undercovergeek on July 13, 2013, 02:13:47 PM
is an attack on the cards?
From me or him? Until a couple of turns ago, noone had Astronomy, which gives the ability to traverse Ocean and the ability to build Galleons (transports). Peter has since discovered it, but I do not thinkan attack by him is imminent. Our relations are Cautious. The fact that I have land that is favorable to build cities might send him down here with a Settler and some troops to man it, but I do not think an attac is being hatched. Yet.
you to him - or is strictly a culture rush?
War is an option, but, I would rather not participate. At least not now. War retards your research and economy and I am not in a position to take a hit to either at the moment.
Keep up the great AAR. I am interested to see how you over come the difference in techs.
Genghis would like Drama. I am not in any position to deny him. Enjoy the theater!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0200_zpsa619a725.jpg&hash=19c423f2198d06fc66ba2e9cf29cae8b76967672) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0200_zpsa619a725.jpg.html)
Montezuma wants to increase my ability to earn. I say, "Hell yeah!"
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0201_zpsd4d7fa3e.jpg&hash=45356c47121fb227092cb3d2e39846493e36b64b) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0201_zpsd4d7fa3e.jpg.html)
At last! The final piece to the AI puzzle! Churchill is only a short score ahead of me. Let's see if I can run him down.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0202_zps427cfc00.jpg&hash=762c90322ae1590f84aba2ef603581a2bd8cf3b5) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0202_zps427cfc00.jpg.html)
The state of the Tech race. I am super behind. Not as bad as when Peter found me, but, it seems insurmountable at the moment. I am going to try and parley Music into Theology and Engineering.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0203_zps39437bac.jpg&hash=9fb7d1c87497966bbf07c46b37f2a41e7480b159) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0203_zps39437bac.jpg.html)
A new city for me. And one less place for the AI to build if he gets here. I still need at least two more cities. Three to be completely honest. The only problem is that it will wreck my research and economy.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0204_zps2e3872fc.jpg&hash=66dc922dc717d904087f1894d139c5716c2dbf96) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0204_zps2e3872fc.jpg.html)
Still enjoying your AAR,
MetalDog. Sounds like your work is cut out for you, but I believe in you. :D
Incidentally, this is inspiring me to fire up my own copy of Civ IV again. I'd started getting into the game a while back when I first purchased it, but got distracted. Time to rectify that, I think!
Quote from: MetalDog on July 13, 2013, 02:08:01 PM
A quick shot of what I have explored of Peter's lands. The up side is that his troops are no more advanced than mine with the exception of Macemen. I am currently researching Civil Service to rectify that now.
Civil Service gets you Macemen??! Odd.
there was a *lot* of granularity in the units in Civ IV, and they had to put them all somewhere
It's Civil Service and another Tech, which escapes me at the moment, that get you Macemen. And I appreciate the faith :) No matter how this game ends, it should constitute the longest I have made it in a game on Monarch.
Lincoln started this turn by offering me Theology and some Gold for Music. I countered with Engineering for Music. He threw in a few GP and I made the deal. Guilds is next in order to make my Horse Resources useful in turning out Knights. It also allows Grocer. Grocer provides a GPT boost and Health to my cities for having certain Resources available to me.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0205_zps37ece8fb.jpg&hash=50df69c8d5fb20aec4f93e0fe210ef0e0da3b32f) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0205_zps37ece8fb.jpg.html)
The next person to visit is Churchill. I proposed Music for Theology and he offered some GP to balance things out.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0206_zps8c293cfa.jpg&hash=6ec373f33ee8b51e09fa561c981353095a9d5f9d) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0206_zps8c293cfa.jpg.html)
Finally, I am going to try to get Guilds from Genghis for Music. I will have to wait a few Turns to Research part of Guilds, but, I'm hoping he will still need Music when I am ready to trade. A risk I need to take.
Peter is currently Researching Constitution. And from the screenie, you can see the Techs each civ is ahead of me as well as what they can research next. So, Peter is ahead, but I can see where he is going. It's still a slog, but, I am seeing a little hope.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0207_zps5777aa1a.jpg&hash=45a9e716f7272c58940a6e17fb16700198f568ee) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0207_zps5777aa1a.jpg.html)
This is a great deal! The Luxury Resource, Wine, will help immensely. And the fact that we are trading will add +'s to my relationship with Peter. Currently, it is +2 for Open borders and +1 for Peace. The longer the trade continues, the higher the bonus. In addition, Peter just went Free Religion which eliminates the - negative against one another for being different Religions.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0208_zps764be387.jpg&hash=ff7551a11d16bbdee12d0b3a4e61754d126fa428) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0208_zps764be387.jpg.html)
Marseilles gets Forge with SCT.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0209_zpsb5df692c.jpg&hash=ce6835f92da8581790ac6edcae9a26334c2aba37) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0209_zpsb5df692c.jpg.html)
And in the final exchange of Music, I get Guilds and some Gold. That's three Techs for Music.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0210_zps02eaf14f.jpg&hash=8945fb14f14df2b92247b26c1de070e3ee91645e) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0210_zps02eaf14f.jpg.html)
With the addition of the Grocer building through Guilds, I can now add Bank with, oddly enough, Banking. Both of those buildings will be spread rapidly with the use of SCT. The more Gold I have coming in each turn, the faster I can research, grow and move the Culture slider up in order to jump start the Culture Victory Condition. And you can see that, with the exception of Astronomy, everything is Researched in a short amountf Turns.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0211_zps0d66f442.jpg&hash=85afeffde236b24700b733d242e71959b4b454e3) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0211_zps0d66f442.jpg.html)
Genghis plays trading partner again as I turn Theology into Banking and some Gold. You will note that he will stop trading with Lincoln, declare war on Churchill or Peter. All for a price, of course. Interesting information to file away for later.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0212_zpsa5164c06.jpg&hash=2f91700ae3501c4f0261888c54ffd54b5f5953b6) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0212_zpsa5164c06.jpg.html)
Sounds lik things are finally starting to look up a little. Let's hope it continues!
Now. Here, I think, is the turning point. So far, the only Civ with Astronomy is Peter. Each of the other four Cis will trade for it. If I can discover it before any of the rest of the others, I have a VERY valuable commodity. The double edged sword is that, while I can now leave my island for anywhere, others can get to me. But I am still too many Techs behind and, if I get there first, Astronomy will net me several Techs for free in trade. The crusher is the time it's going to take to Research it.
The other thing to note at this time is that at the end of the Research, I hope to have most of my Grocers and Banks built. That being the case, I will expand my Civ again with at least three more cities. One should be prosperous fairly quickly and the other two will provide Resources I do not already have uder production, or, provide extra to trade. Which is another thing Astronomy will do. Allow me to trade overseas.
All of the above is optimism. The possibility is that I will fall behind in Tech even further Researching Astronomy and by the time I am done, noone will need it. My expansion will be slowed or halted because I have ravaged my cities using SCT to create Grocers and Banks for Gold. And with the discovery of Astronomy by the other Civs before me, they will have had time to build their fleets and will come to Settle on my continents empty spaces, or worse, to conquer.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0214_zps9d54271d.jpg&hash=56b215c559edc46a4c008697471e050e371f6529) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0214_zps9d54271d.jpg.html)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1355.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq717%2Fstophro%2F2nd%2520Monarch%2520AAR%2FCiv4ScreenShot0213_zpsd5c3fa5d.jpg&hash=6ab3d504be5a6de392de85cd88bb739d0300ab38) (http://s1355.photobucket.com/user/stophro/media/2nd%20Monarch%20AAR/Civ4ScreenShot0213_zpsd5c3fa5d.jpg.html)
would you have any luck going for Gunpowder first and trying to get there in trade and deal with Astronomy later?
Quote from: bayonetbrant on July 14, 2013, 12:15:15 PM
would you have any luck going for Gunpowder first and trying to get there in trade and deal with Astronomy later?
Everyone but Peter and myself, already have Gunpowder. They do not, however, have the ability to bring it to bear against me. So, if I can make Astronomy in time to be useful, Gunpowder would be an easy one to trade for.
I mis-read the screen above, then. Sorry
No worries :)