17-03-2003 10:20									#1
	MA Campaign Speech Support Apolyton, pre-order Civilization IV

As we have a good ol' fashioned election coming up, I'd just like to take the time to give a good ol' fashioned campaign speech!

Though I have been servings as Master Builder for the last two terms, I feel that my real strength lay in the realm of strategic thinking. I am not a warmonger by most standards, but in this game war is fairly inevitable, so you'd best be ready for it.

A little while back, I published an analysis of our defenses for public review, and this is something that, as MA, I would try to have done every three weeks or so. As I said in my report, I feel we have a fairly strong defensive position currently, with a few weak spots that need to be taken care of.

In game terms, I tend to lead towards a "surgical strike" mentality. A small group of well-inserted troops can cripple an empire faster than a plodding stack-of-doom in many instances. Resource deprivation, transportation network disruption, and hit-and-run tactics are my general modes of operation. Furthermore, in an MP setting, coordinated attacks with allies is an invaluable tool in any arsenal.

When I'm not playing Civ, I've spent many a weekend playing day-long games of Axis and Allies with friends on a board of my own design (160 territories, whoo!). I also love most TBS games, from Panzer General to Final Fantasy Tactics.

The way I see it, war in Civ is all about knowing what tools you have and how to use them most effectively. The biggest guy may be scarier, but the smartest one usually wins.

So, that's that, I guess! If anyone has any questions about my policies, I'll be glad to answer!

	18-03-2003 06:33									#2
	Inflate your Upload Space

Figured I should post a speech here too (Hope I don't put anyone to sleep by it )

This is my first time running for office in Lego, but I have been very active in the game despite that - having made numerous suggestions and observations in the game so far. (some liked some not so liked but diversity in opinion is a good thing and any debate that forges an optimal solution is good).

While I too favor the building style over warmongering, we have to have a decent military to be able to defend ourselves. Especially to counter attack our enemies that dare to threaten our lands.

My proposed strategy is "strength through mobility and flexibility". We have a large area to defend - I propose eventually forming 3 command centers:

Northern command - to defend our core cities near our capital - it is currently our most vital area; however, with the good road system and close proximity of the cities swordsmen/med infantry would be the most useful there. We can upgrade 2 or 3 of our warriors to be used as swordmen here for now.

Central command - would have a dual role of defending our central area and also reinforcing our northern and southern forces if necessary - it would be a mixed force of mounted and swordmen/med infantry troops. We can station a mounted troop in RedBricks and the swords in Forkmouth or Farmerville. Initially it would be one sword and 1 mounted, but I think that eventually it would become our largest command.

Southern command - our largest area and the lack of roads suggest mounted troops would be best used here. We can keep the archer unit down here for added support plus 2 horsemen. I would consider adding an explorer to scout around for any intruders until our navy is more formidable with frigates and privateers.

As for Galleyleo I would suggest moving him to the west coast to scout there. Unless we find a horse with another hut, we should consider moving Gaul to board the galley to easily capitalize on any huts found.

I agree with Zargon about that in any war - our 1st priorities would be defense, getting allies and raiding our enemies to destroy their infrastructure (roads, strat resources, luxuries, workers) in that order. But in Civ the most effective strategy against humans is usually "getting there the firstest with the mostest" when it comes to vital objectives.

We also need to upgrade the defenses of Panama and Farmerville to Merc strength and start to gradually add an 2nd merc to those cities that don't have an offensive unit in it (and also to our most important cities).

Admittedly I am still somewhat of a novice to Civ 3, but have extensively played Civ 2 MP in the past (and Civ 1 before that). My experience with realtime strategy games (AOE series, Starcraft etc.) has taught me that you must be ready to defend yourself at any time and that destroying the enemy's ability to make war through resources while avoiding them doing the same to you is often a key to victory.