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FNBrown
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of the Sierra Nevada foothills
Dec 2001
time: 21:17
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Alright... it took a bit longer than expected, but here are the results of my turn. 
The departure of Fredric the Almighty, like that of any great ruler, left a gaping void in the heart of the French Empire, and its people in a state of doubt and trepidation.
Their worries were soon made manifest in the rise of General Franklin Ferus. Said to have been born of a barbaric tribe in the Glittering Mountains, he had risen through the ranks of the French Army with a reputation as an unyielding disciplinarian and man of vicious cunning. There was no questioning his love of France, or his desire to make her the most dominant empire in the world, but his was a reign of great tribulation.
630 B.C. – General Franklin assumes power in the palace at Markopolis. All who dissent are put to the sword. He is named Emperor Franklin, and insists upon being addressed as “Excellency.” Broccoli is removed from the menu at all dining establishments throughout the empire. Map Making is sold to the English for 2 gold per turn, 100 gold, and their world map, and to the Greeks for 33 gold and their territory map. Embassies are established in Germany, England, and India, as they are our closest neighbors. Lahore is investigated, and found to have only one spearman garrisoned. The Temples at Gillham and Ore Hills are rushed. Production at Rusty City is shifted to another Spearman battalion, as war with India is anticipated. The Barracks at Edaron and Saint Ralph (production on the temple there is halted) are rushed, so that mighty veteran units may be created to serve the empire. The armies outside Lahore are moved in to begin the assault. A right of passage agreement is made with Germany, along with a military alliance against India. Our spearman battalion at Ivory Coast successfully repels a barbarian assault, although they have destroyed a nearby improvement. Emperor Franklin is immediately rewarded with improvements upon the palace, and decides to landscape the front lawn.
610 B.C. – Lahore is conquered by our Swordsman battalion. Two gold pieces are taken from the city coffers, and one Indian worker is enslaved. Unfortunately, the city is too puny to withstand the assault, and is completely annihilated. Emperor Franklin is overheard muttering, “Hmm… before the patch, we would have kept that city. Well, you can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.” The confused chefs at the palace, fearing that the Emperor may not be satisfied with his usual breakfast of toast and oatmeal, invent the culinary marvel known the world over as the omelet. Production at Minas-Morgul is switch to a group of settlers to be sent to site of what history will record as Emperor Franklin’s first massacre. Naturally, the production of the settlers is rushed. The Emperor is a man of little patience. World maps are traded with everyone but India (for obvious reasons) and England (who seems to think their maps are too good for ours – they will pay for such insolence with their blood, vows the Emperor), so as to maintain friendly relations with the rest of the international community while we slaughter the Indians.
590 B.C. – Markopolis is in a state of civil disorder. The Emperor orders public displays of dissenters being drawn and quartered as “entertainment.” Ivory Coast spearmen easily repel another barbarian assault. French horsemen move north to continue the conquest of India.
570 B.C. – Order is restored in Markopolis. French horsemen destroy Kolhapur, enslave one worker, and capture 3 gold pieces. Warriors exploring the west destroy a barbarian encampment and take 25 gold. Ferusopolis is founded south of Fredric.
550 B.C. – Indian warriors approach Saint Ralph from the west. They liberate the slaves from Lahore that were en route. Mighty French horsemen approach Madras.
530 B.C. – Indian archers from Madras attack on of the horsemen battalions, but are narrowly defeated. Swordsmen defeat one of the Indian warrior battalions west of Saint Ralph. The remaining horseman assaults Madras without success, and is compelled to withdraw and recover. Our world map is sold to Russia for 40 gold pieces, the Aztecs for their map and 14 gold, and the Iroquois for 20 gold. Considering that we just traded maps with all of them on the last turn, it’s an easy 74 clams for the French treasury. An embassy is established in Moscow, as they are also a nearby neighbor. Ivory Coast withstands yet another barbarian assault.
510 B.C. – Swordsmen defeat the last of the warriors west of Saint Ralph; the unit is promoted to veteran status. An attempt at peace with India in exchange for the city of Bombay is rebuffed. Emperor Franklin only grins, comfortable in his belief that India is outmatched and that the fool Gandhi has only ordered the death of more of his people. Diplomatic envoys reveal that the English have discovered Code of Laws, but refuse to trade it for any reasonable amount. Intelligence operatives inform his Excellency that we have very little chance of stealing it, so their hope is to trade Philosophy for it in a few years. Once again, the Emperor’s blood boils at the insolence of the infernal English. Ivory Coast appears to know no end to the barbaric assault, but our spearmen remain vigilant.
490 B.C. – Olifant completes its spearman battalion and is ordered to train swordsmen. Our swordsmen successfully eliminate one of the spearmen units at Madras, and are promoted to veteran status. One of our horsemen units finishes the job, and is also promoted. Madras is ground into dust, and 3 gold pieces are taken, along with 1 Indian slave. Construction on roads to Saint Ralph and Fredric continue. Code of Laws is obtained from the English for a Right of Passage and 175 gold pieces; it is our hope that we can recoup the cost by trading the technology to other nations. England also has Literature now. Germany buys it for 120 gold pieces and 1 gold per turn. Russia only has 7 gold, but we take it anyway (they’re bound to get it from someone else). The Iroquois offer 5 gold. The Greeks, who must have traded Literature to the English for it, sell use literature for 240 gold pieces. We are now banking on a windfall from the sale of Philosophy in a few turns.
470 B.C. – The French armies continue north towards Bombay. Reports from spies in Delhi indicate that Gandhi hasn’t had a good night’s sleep in quite a while. Emperor Franklin expresses some disappointment in the fruitlessness of our alliance with Germany thus far; not a single German unit has been spotted in India. Still, they seem to be keeping the Indians from sending too many units south towards France. Our settlers have just reached Saint Ralph and continue towards the gem-rich site once known as Lahore. Minas-Morgul completes a spearman unit and is ordered to build a barracks. Philosophy is discovered, and scientists begin to research Mathematics.
450 B.C. – Civil disorder erupts in Saint Ralph. Emperor Franklin orders construction of a new “entertainment” device he affectionately calls the guillotine. Horsemen successfully destroy one spearman unit at Bombay. Philosophy is traded to England for Polytheism and 10 gold pieces. Germany offers one gold piece per turn; we accept, as their treasury is empty. The Aztecs offer 3 gold per turn, and 13 gold pieces. They also buy Literature at 2 gold per turn. The Iroquois buy Philosophy for the 40 gold in their treasury, and we sell literature for one of their workers. The Greeks buy Polytheism for 8 gold pieces per turn, and the 4 gold in their treasury. The Iroquois worker is ordered to cut down forests near Markopolis in hopes of speeding the construction of the Oracle. Indian archers attack from Bombay and compel our horseman to withdraw. Edaron completes a horseman battalion and is ordered to train swordsmen.
430 B.C. – A fresh horseman battalion slaughters the Indian archers near Bombay. Our armies are closing in on India’s second-largest city. There will be no quarter for the fool Gandhi. The road to Saint Ralph nears completion. Germany buys Polytheism at 110 gold pieces. Ivory Coast completes its Temple, and is ordered to train workers to rebuild the damage caused by barbarians. Gillham completes a horseman battalion and is ordered to construct a barracks.
410 B.C. – French horsemen are unsuccessful in their raid on Bombay. The arrival of our slower, but more effective swordsmen is eagerly anticipated.
390 B.C. – French swordsmen destroy one spearman unit at Bombay. Emperor Franklin grows impatient again. The barracks at Gillham and Minas-Morgul are rushed, as are spearmen at Saint Ralph and Ore Hills and swordsmen at Edaron, Olifant, and Rusty City. India completes the Oracle. Construction in Markopolis is switched to the Great Library.
370 B.C. – Bombay is conquered. The Indians must be suffering, because there is no gold in the city treasury. One warrior battalion was lost in the siege. For some reason, the city was razed (it was not ordered so – no idea why). Emperor Franklin is infuriated that his prize was lost, and orders the armies to regroup and march on Delhi. Settlers reach the site where Lahore once stood. Emperor Franklin, a bit inebriated at the time he was asked for a name for the new city, decides to christen the town “Happy Valley,” after all the joy the precious stones in the nearby mountains will bring the mighty empire. The foolish English have declared war on us, and mount a feeble attack on Gillham. Emperor Franklin declares, “They will rue this day for what remains of their worthless lives. The whole of England will be filled with the cries and lamentations of their women and children, and their streets will be filled with the English blood that the righteous anger of the French Empire will dutifully spill. Woe unto all those incur our endless and mighty wrath, for they have not known suffering until it has been properly dispensed by French steel.”
350 B.C. – As a war on two fronts is usually a great folly, Emperor Franklin orders the establishment of an American embassy in hopes that the American warrior party near Saint Ralph will dispense with the English warriors nearby, so that roads can continue under construction. Too much of the French armed might is committed to India in the north, and the Emperor is not about to let up on Gandhi just because of this new English distraction. The Americans are happy to ally with us against England. Production at Ivory Coast is switched to Spearmen, and is rushed to ensure its defense. An Indian envoy is ignored. Both sides know they are all but beaten. Their opportunity for diplomacy has long since passed.
330 B.C. – The march on Delhi continues. Swordsmen from Rusty City approach Karachi, and another unit is rushed for reinforcement. It appears the English have retreated from the Americans near Saint Ralph. The useless Germans have made peace with India.
310 B.C. – Swordsmen eliminate a spearman battalion at Karachi. Our armies have nearly reached Delhi.
290 B.C. – The assault on Delhi begins, but they are heavily fortified. Emperor Franklin grows old, and fears he may not live to see it fall.
270 B.C. – The assault on Delhi continues, still to little avail. Our swordsmen approach, but more troops may be needed. Russia signs an unholy alliance with England against France. France is now at war with three nations, and Emperor Franklin’s rage boils over.
250 B.C. – Swordsmen destroy more spearmen at Karachi, but they are more heavily fortified than expected. Emperor Franklin is no fool. War with three nations is folly, so peace is made with India in exchange for the cities of Karachi and Bangalore. The road to Fredric is completed. Mathematics is discovered.
230 B.C. – Ivory Coast completes training of a warrior battalion. Mathematics is sold to Germany for World Map, 2 gold pieces per turn, and the 17 gold in their treasury, and to Greece for 2 gold pieces per turn and their world map.
Emperor Franklin died of old age and what is surmised as chronic high blood pressure during the autumn of 230 B.C. His fierce reign leaves France with 495 gold pieces in its treasury and an income of 23 gold pieces per turn. France’s armies are mighty, their cultural influence has expanded, and the number of cities in the empire has increased by four. Still, because of his propensity for cruelty and forced labor, he will be remembered as Emperor Franklin the Merciless. France cries out for new leadership to guide them through the uncertain years ahead, as war with England and Russia beckons.
 Attachment: j230bc.zip
This has been downloaded 9 time(s).
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FNBrown
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of the Sierra Nevada foothills
Dec 2001
time: 21:17
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Yes... the streets of the burned-down city of Lahore made for nice foundations for our fine French colony. The next leader should have little trouble finishing roads to network the entire empire.
India is certainly no longer a threat, and, yes, Russia is weak. I was rather surprised that they declared war. England's maneuver was ill-conceived as well - they attacked far from their own borders with a very weak force.
Perhaps Queen Elizabeth has been inhaling too much of the fumes from all those dyes.
Leipzig is looking like an attractive target, too.
As for the automatic razing - I'm ok with that... but Bombay was a size-3 city when we took it. I expected to capture it, not level it. Oh, well... more omelets, anyone?
I'm really getting into this now - it was nice to dive in and get a feel for the game. I only hope I haven't hurt our long-term diplomatic standing too much by being so aggressive. Still - Lahore was ripe for the taking, and I figured it would be profitable to continue the campaign so long as we could do it with minimal losses. I made peace because having so much military to the north really left our western flank greatly exposed to England, and I am unsure of their capabilities. Still, 10:13 will have a fine contingent of horses and swordsmen to rain his fury upon the English and Russians. And most of the cities have barracks now, so that we can churn out more veteran units.
Unfortunately, I don't like our chances of completing the great library first... we may have to switch to lighthouse or some other available wonder. Markopolis needs mines or something to boost its production rate.
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gillskill
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We will need to take both of them in the end. Going for England would mean that we would be secure in the west and able to roll up the island. Going for Russia is probably the easiest militarily in the short term and secures good land to grow on and access to the east coast (it will take a while for those in the SE to be productive enough). Either way I think we can be pleased with the start we have made.
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FNBrown
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of the Sierra Nevada foothills
Dec 2001
time: 21:17
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I haven't seen 10:13... hopefully he pipes up before his 72 hours are up...
Is there any way to e-mail him to let him know it's his turn?
Last edited by FNBrown on 15-01-2002 at 01:38
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gillskill
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Well, a council anyway. Not so sure about the wise in my case. I think it adds to the game to hear other players grand strategy, and then possibly ignore it
Can I suggest that a player has 48 hours to confirm they have taken their turn, otherwise the next player takes over (there would still be the 72 hours maximum to post their result). If we haven't heard from them by the next time their turn comes around then they will be dropped.
Who's been irrigating grassland under despotism?
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eddy eat world
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NE England
Jan 2002
time: 05:17
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48 hour rule = good.
As is the management of our empire.
I'm looking forward to prosecuting those pesky English (or Russians if there's no English left.
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CharlotteCivver
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Sorry guys, the wife and I have just gotten back from vacation. Assuming we don't hear anything from 10:13, I'll try to take my turn tomorrow night.
The Indians for neighbors, eh? In my games that has seemed like about the worst draw you can get - they are just a cancer, spreading relentlessly. Way to go, containing the infestation.
It does sound like the British need an education in French etiquette, doesn't it?
Last edited by CharlotteCivver on 15-01-2002 at 23:25
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FNBrown
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of the Sierra Nevada foothills
Dec 2001
time: 21:17
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Pepe Merlot quickened his pace as he walked down the main corridor of the palace at Markopolis. He was running late for a meeting of the governors of France, and he did not have good news.
He opened the door and took his place near the end of the table. The large gilded chair at the head had remained empty since the death of Emperor Franklin. The conference included all of the Empire's top advisors, and the governors for each city in the realm. He shuffled a few papers and scrolls, cleared his throat, and called the meeting to order.
"As you all know, it has been some months since the death of His Excellency, and we are no closer to having new leadership."
The governor of Saint Ralph spoke up. "What of the concubines?"
Pepe lowered his head and slightly blushed at the question. In their desperation at last week's meeting, the council had suggested they seek a potential natural heir amongst some of the "women of ill-repute" that the Emperor was rumored to have kept in his employ (this was naturally presumed to be the cause of all the gold lost to "corruption" in Markopolis). Pepe had spent the better part of the last few days trying to locate the rumored concubines in local inns and brothels, but even the ones that had claimed to have relations with the Emperor did not provide an heir.
The domestic advisor spoke next. "That was a foolish idea, anyway. I say we elect a new leader amongst ourselves so that France can move forward."
General Bonaparte, chief military advisor, issued a derisive snort. "Elect. Hah! What we need is a strong Emperor who will crush all those who stand agains France. The people will respect that kind of authority."
Louis Pasteur, chief science advisor, spoke next. "We'd be better off with an educated leader who will guide us to greater scientific discovery."
Pepe rose from his chair. The same argument had been made every week for the last several months. "We've already discussed this. Most of the "educated" men we had were lost to forced labor."
Bonaparte interrupted, "Hah. Pencil necks don't work too well under the whip."
Pepe countered, "AND, most of the military leaders we have are still scattered to the North in India. All the others are on their way West to repel the English. We had a hard enough time finding governors for the cities we took from the Indians after the war. Emperor Franklin was rumored to have family in his homeland in the Glittering Mountains, but no one has come forward, and those barbarians are hard to find. Quite honestly, that may not be the best place to find another leader right now, anyway."
Bonaparte spoke again. "That sort of remark would have earned you a trip to the guillotine six months ago."
Pepe shot back, "Six months ago, you're lucky you were half a continent away when His Excellency heard of your failure at Delhi. This is not six months ago. We have no Emperor. Someone must step forth soon, or France will fall into total ruin."
Empty stares and shrugged shoulders were all the council could produce. Pepe sighed, and prayed that a new leader would emerge before too much longer.
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14-01-2002 00:50
Sir Ralphs ghost, who was restless wandering through Markopolis every night, will now find rest in the grave.
It's the turn of the Great 10:13 now 
I didn't really discuss my intent to crack the whip and churn out barracks and military units at the expense of half of France's population with the rest of the group before I did it. 
But still, we need to do this in good order. I tried contacting 10:13, and I will be contacting Charlette Civver.
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