Heh, that's a pretty neat trick. I've found though that most of the other civs will just give me a load of gold per turn if I ask nicely. Even the Americans, owners of the city I captured, opened up their borders again about two turns after I offered them peace. Like I say, it's set to Chieftan so I think that makes everyone else like you. This first game is just to get the hang of how everything works, I'll go for something a bit more hardcore next time.

Hi,

I was wondering if you could add me as a reserve for this game / participant for the next one.

I picked the game back up when I saw this thread and have worked my way back to Noble difficulty without any major problems, and I find the concept of a Succession game to be intriguing so it would be nice to try it out.

You can't use sucking as a reason to not play, Shin. I tried that. If I can play, so can you.

i don't want to be the only reason we lose :(

Here's a random question for when you guys play solo.. What is the optimal game setup if you're playing by yourself. How many AI? Pangea? Continents? I mostly random everything and I come up with a game plan depending on starting location and civ but I'm nowhere near as good at micromanagement when it comes to your civics and town population. I'm still new to that.

I never play above Warlords, and typically use Continents maps. I favor Cultural and Space Victories, so I tend to go for financial and industrious. I chose these traits because industrious civs have 50% wonder production, and the financial trait means more commerce, money, and ultimately hammers. My favored Civ in vanilla Civ4 is Shih Huang Di from China.

I don't pick opponents, but just random everything. I go for standard-length games, on a large map. I always start at the stone age, and almost always turn off technology trading.

I tend to micromanage the workers up until I expand to four or five cities. Then it is automated all the way. As far as civics go, I favor the fifth tier ones except for economy, where I like State Property. I try to build Pyramids as soon as practicable, so that all government civics can be available. This, of course, depends on availability of strategic resources.

Hmm. What about playing beyond the sword? I've moved from vanilla to warlords to bts and while it's not that different there still are some big changes. Why turn off technology trading?

And about automated workers, I've noticed they tend to blow up farms and make windmills instead, or forts.. Nothing really useful. >.> but then again that's where I fail at the micro part. Don't know when to turn farms into cottages or any of those different combinations

A storm was brewin’ and the world was quakin’ that night I set out from the town some men call Freewheeler’s Paradise in search of my fortune. Money, power, and a girl with green eyes. These were my goals, and hell to the ape that stood in my way. Our histories told us of powerful men who came through the Pillars of Heaven and brought with them tales of a land by the Bowl of the Gods, and it was down this path that I rode. All around me I could see the signs of these people, and their paths marked the world at every step. Travelers to lands even the luckiest man might never see.

- Starting out, we’ve got warriors spread over the world. As the Western horde is incredibly weak, and have nowhere to go, I’m going to switch them with home, and send home out North. Washington’s at 5, and stopped growth while it builds.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...rtWarriors.jpg

With a quick step, and a wind at my back, I made good time, and in only a few weeks had crested the pass of the pillars and come face to face with the realm of the foreigners. Their reach had grown since last word reached my people, and now touched the very feet of the pillars themselves. Before me spread the Bowl of the Gods, and nearly at its center waited my destiny – Washington. A further week of brisk march brought me down those wind swept hills, and to the edge of its walls. Yet, as I arrived, I found not the shining bastion of the legends, but a city in disarray, lost without a head. Seemed all they could do was breed and trudge through their tasks without a lord at the helm, and their last had died only a few months past. Worse, there was a disease in the air, a disease of the spirit. Anger simmered just below the surface of a city who’d sent its most shining examples abroad.

- Washington’s finishing up a Worker, and not growing. The people are near Angry status because they don’t have defenders. We’re pretty much set up for building right now, and it will stay that way for a bit.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr..._StartCity.jpg

I was amazed that no one had risen from the people to take the reins of this beast, but maybe they were too busy scrawlin’ words in dung on the walls of their homes. I’d never been one to look a gift swine in the mouth. Grabbin’ me a few boys with a shine in their eyes, I marched to that hill that overlooks the water, where past leaders have surveyed the world around, and told the crowd that had begun to follow in my wake that there was a new law in town. My word was the rule, and they’d best look to obey. Sheep the lot it seemed, as they rolled like tumbleweeds in a storm. Still, to keep my base solid, and make sure they stayed docile, I sent out that our weakened boys to the West would be given a reprieve, and mothers might finally see their lost sons again. Cheers resounded from the waters.

- Bringin’ home the western Warriors.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...riorToTown.jpg

Next up was the issue of those curs who I’d passed on my way into town. They’d looked a mean lot, perhaps fine men in their time, but life of weakness near the city had let them go to seed. With pomp and affair I told them that each man would be given a piece of any new land that they might find and claim for our glory, but that only those with bravery enough to seek to the North would be given this chance. Craven as they were, few could pass the promise of wealth, and I’m sure some thought to found new lands far from our reach. Foolish thoughts. Nowhere is beyond the reach of the wheels of America.

- As part of the plan to swap the Warriors, I’m sending these ones back out.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...rior2North.jpg

Like a story of the light and the dark, their good twin was tireless in the pursuit of the glory of our land, and had driven themselves at length to the far edges of the world to spread our message. Seemed maybe they needed a reprieve.

- The Northern warriors have gotten pretty far out, and missed some black, so I’m going to cut back and uncover that last bit.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...rior3Start.jpg

For several years, the land was quite, winters were mild, and the dissent of the people was calm, like the idle before the gale. But on a cold day in spring, a boy not higher than my shoulder brought grave news. A crafty witch to the North, who’s lands constantly encroached on the lands of my fathers, the people of the Wheel, had stolen the magic of the Gods from our great nation, and was spreading their message to her own. We would have to have words.

Almost the same time, a second man, much greyer and wiser of the world, came to my home. The great horde of the North had sent news, sighting of yet another tribe who had not heard the fine word. Hearing the stories in youth of first meeting, I could only hope this new generation was equal to those who had greeted my people, and been gifted with our works. I sent word to offer peace.

- Village sighted and Hashepsut, that bitch, stole the idea of Buddhism from us (even though we’re not religious)

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...3_Buddhism.jpg

I wasn’t long to wait for their reply. In the calm of morning, where the air is so still you can feel its weight about your crown, a lone figure walked the path to our spread. Aloft in his hand he carried a shining spear, worked as if from shafts of sunlight. I immediately set our wise men to thinking of ways to use this fine gift.

- Except for those filth corrupted by the Egyptians, Villagers all love the Americans. Free Tech – Bronze Working. Kind of a pain, since we were researching it, but still six or so free turns, so I start in on Hunting.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...BronzeWork.jpg

Half a year later, my wisdom is told in the streets, as our spies bring word of trouble abroad. Restless breeds in the countryside, and inbred vagrants pick up sticks against us. I mean to meet them with shafts of amber, forged a thousandfold.

- The Animal to Barbarian switch is here. Future leaders may need to protect our people soon.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...dBarbsUhOh.jpg

My message is clear to the wise among us, and their return is swift. Techniques of combat they bring me for men of the spear, and light of foot. The plague of the bar’ bars will ne’er touch these shores.

- Wise men finish Hunting technology.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...24_Hunting.jpg

With all of this progress abroad, and in the realm of the mind, I have noted that the lands of prosperity have been left to their own devices. Not so any longer. A decree goes out, and the able bodied are brought, willing or otherwise, to do the work that my word has given. Foremost, I worry that our supplies are limited for such a great land, if we are to expand our reach. Toward this end, I direct them to build great constructions of timber and stone to redirect the Bowl of the Gods and increase the bounty of the land where grass grows tall.

- Workers built, Settlers started. Workers sent to the Wheat plot so they can start a Farm. After that, I was going to have them build a mine on the stone, and roads to the whole mess.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...kingToFarm.jpg

It is this thought of expansion which brings my mind back to why I came to this land in the first place, and to how distracted I have become. Money and Power have become mine, but the girl with the green eyes still eludes me. While I love this land, and its simple people, I know that she will never be found here. Talk is afoot of stores of the amber ore to the East, and many speak of building a new hub of America’s progress to harvest these riches. Perhaps in the surrounding lands I’ll find that elusive lady.

- Didn’t notice at first, but Bronze popped right next to us. We ought to build a city here and get to it, since we already control the stone.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...ishNewTown.jpg

With my thoughts now wandering far afield, I take a last look at the world of the conquerors I have held charge of, and see that it is in good state. The boys I sent for long ago have nearly returned to protect their people, the wise men speak of amazing rods which can make shafts leap through the air, and our expeditions abroad have made excellent progress. People even tell stories of a brilliant rock far to the North they call “silver”. Life is good, and on a dark night that bears the promise of storms like the ones I swept in on, I set foot to land once more, and trek on in search of that girl of legend.

- Overview of Warrior and Resource status. I have also named out some areas that might be potential city spots.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...ishWarrior.jpg
http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...hResources.jpg

SAVE FILE LINKAGE
BC 1560

Additional Spam:
Strat - Although my alter ego is all about spears and such, I actually think we can survive with a fortified Warrior for a little while against the bar bars. If we can get stone, I'd actually like to try building a wonder. Stonehenge is only 12 turns with stone or the Oracle would give us yet another free tech of our choice. Metallurgy might be a good choice.

Rychord: I have added you to the reserves.

Turbo: Your question really depends on what type of game you're going for as far as optimal setup. I like Organized, because at higher difficulties, the money savings scale with you, so you end up getting more return. Since I'm expansionistic, Organized also works as Courthouses are cheaper, and the penalties of lots of towns is reduced. I agree that Industrious is useful, as I tend to try and outproduce the enemy with at least one city devoted to making Wonders. In general, I prefer inland starts next to rivers, but seaside starts aren't bad, if you've got the right stuff like we do. Fishing + Financial.

Too bad the only source of marble we've discovered is so far away.

Also, depending on how peaceful we feel like being, looks like pig could be a major export if we choose to go that route.

Because I hate it when the AI demand/beg tech from me, or if they start trading it among themselves. After all, I AM playing at levels where I have unfair advantages...!

I think micro-ing workers is only worth it when you get your first few cities up. After that, I'd much rather have them build (rail)roads by themselves. You could always tell them never to blow up farms if you wish.

Who's up next?

Thanks for adding me Araes.

I have a question regarding game version while I'm at it.

Does Vanilla simply refer to the 1.74 patch or are there actually different versions of the base game?

@Turbo: That would be Mr. Pangalin Murphy, Esq.

@Rychord: Vanilla refers to Civilization IV, without the expansion packs (Warlords and Beyond the Sword)

Marble and Stone both always seem to be pains to obtain early in the game. I was surprised as hell we actually had a source right near us. I'm not sure why the randomizer's preference is to stick marble out in the arctic wastes.

With as much Pig as we may have available, I guess it will come down to whether the potential bonuses (health I think) are worth it over the trade we can wrangle. I'm not very happy with our only neighbor for sneaking buddhism from us though.

And yes, Vanilla is meant to imply normal Civ4, no expansions. The patches are independent.

I sent Pang a quick note, and he's still got a reasonable amount of time, so hopefully he'll see this soon enough.

Skippin' the RP this time since frankly not a whole lot happened:

Finished the farm workers were assigned to, sent them to build the quarry for that stone;

Citybound Warrior safely arrives and fortifies;

One of our exploring Warriors was unfortunately killed by a barbarian ambush while healing;

Finished Archery and quickly picked up Writing, then got started on Iron Working (considered Code Of Law but I think three religions is plenty for now, if you disagree Iron Working's only had one turn of research put into it);

Finished building the Settler, personally I favor the space just south of "Bronzington" as it will get us the Bronze that much faster and avoids the trap of water squares on a noncoastal city;

Started building a Warrior to escort the Settler to their destination since we know Barbs are nearby;

Discovered some Bronze and Silver in the far northeast but I don't really expect to be able to secure it anytime soon.

http://www.saxypunch.com/miscimg/ML2....Civ4SavedGame

Krelian's turn is up.

You're probably right about the bronze city location, as there's really no need to be that far North, and if I remember right, the city creation gets rid of the jungle negative. Can't remember whether there were a lot of other ones nearby. Plus, once we have Iron we can just chop them down. I tend to just put cities out at the edge of the contact range because the computer normally arranges resources in a star pattern.

Sorry about being late; I've been up in the city. I'll be home to take my turn tonight~

Since Krelian has yet to take his turn, and I don't want this to stagnate, Turbo, feel free to take the turn.

Sorry, I've been uh busier than I had anticipated

My apologies for this, feel free to take the reins; honestly I had not expected things of this ilk to occur I suppose

Alright lets see, I too might skip with the roleplay this time around as its looking to be an uneventful 10 turns.


Warrior finished, will move him and settler to Bronzington and settle there. Will start work on pyramids. Then when quary finishes build a road.


Bronzington founded - building an obelisk to expand borders for acquisition of copper.

http://s93003711.onlinehome.us/image.../zomgbarbs.JPG

Barb spotted outside bronzington. Likely to send warrior out or build another one.

http://s93003711.onlinehome.us/image...penborders.JPG

For now we will agree to this- seeing as we don't want to make an early enemy out of her.

http://s93003711.onlinehome.us/image.../morebarbs.JPG

This is fun.. Switching obelisk to Warrior to defend ourselves.

http://s93003711.onlinehome.us/image...rn/trouble.JPG

Oh snap. We might actually be in trouble now. Not to mention other barbs approaching Washington. 3 turns to go at this point.

Code of laws finished. Going to mathematics.

http://s93003711.onlinehome.us/image...ingtondead.JPG

Alas. Our great city of Bronzington has fallen.

http://s93003711.onlinehome.us/image...n/lastturn.JPG
This is my last turn - And here is the save file. Good luck whoever's up next =/

Oh joy, this should be fun. Got the file, I'll try to remember to do this tomorrow - i'm pretending to study right now.

Well damn. Just went from an awesome game to one we might lose at any moment. In 10 turns. Ouch. From the pictures that looks like a good size barbarian swarm. Guess we better be pumping out those archers. Help us Hawkeye, you're our only hope.

That's not very encouraging. At least if we lose it's still Pang's fault. :)

Taking the turn right away here.

EDIT:

As the turns were uneventful and brief, I'll just say what happened.

Cowered in Washington and killed two warriors and an archer. Unfortunately more arrived during this time. Also, the jerks took out our quarry, and it looks like they're going for the farm next. Suffice to say, things are not looking up. The archer is defending the city, though, so Washington should be well defended for a while (archer units are crazy in fortified cities, stupid longbowmen kept killing my tanks when i used to play)

emailing Araes the file again. We should be able to survive the barbarian onslaught, but we're way behind when it comes to expanding.


P.S. one of the reserves will most likely need to fill in for my next turn, i'll probably be on choir tour when it rolls around again

You know, I thought the lot of you kept loading and reloading if things didn't go your way (goody hut rewards etc.). It seems I must change my opinion now :3:

Nope, been playing them honest personally. Just have had crazy luck with the huts. I have the save file. However, due to Wed. being my horrible day for having time (damn you Scrabble for always falling on it) I'm probably going to be delayed to tomorrow on taking this.

Also, excellent to hear we're defended, even if they're trying to take out our farm. Just need more troops now.

Continuing in the trend of light posts, I think I'm going to have to skimp on the RP this time as well, as I barely found the time for the turns.

Starting Conditions
- One City
- Barbs have two archers near city
- One is about to raze a farm

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...3UnitStart.jpg

- Egypt has founded city to north of us.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...uenceStart.jpg

- Explorers are basically done.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...tWideStart.jpg

- Our city is on a crazy product setup for trying to make units. I immediately switch this off of food and let the peasants starve so we can get some troops.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...3CityStart.jpg

- We have two warriors near the city. I move our warriors up to the left to try and get the attention of the archers before they can raze the farm.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...3PreBattle.jpg

- I also realize that for some reason we still aren't religious, after having founded all the religions to this point, AND having TWO Unhappy faces in Washington. I immediately convert to Buddhism, which will remove one of the Unhappy faces within Washington.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...t3Buddhism.jpg

- Our warriors fight, with the archer attacking them first, killing one, and the remaining warrior responding and killing the other one in the open fields, and spitting on his corpse. They have NOT destroyed the Farm. Woo!

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...riorBattle.jpg

- Our archer also proceeds to kick the tar out of the enemy archer.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...cherBattle.jpg

- The living fighters both get experience level ups.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...fterBattle.jpg

- We also learn how to add numbers together. Yay for 1+1...

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...021_t3Math.jpg

- I send the living warrior over to fortify the hill and kick our worker out of our city so he can start doing improvements.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...PostBattle.jpg

- Our archer finishes in 3 turns due to the starvation of our people, so I have pity, and swap them around to make a Settler post-haste.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...itySettler.jpg

- I send our archer out to defend the spot where our new city will be.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...3ArcherOut.jpg

- Our far out explorer has finished his rounds, so I let him return home.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...LongReturn.jpg

- On his way, he discovers that the barbs have founded a city...oy, in the frontier.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...3EnemyCity.jpg

- The last turns are uneventful, and people heal, move to where they need to be, and I think I killed one more barbarian warrior. We have a barbarian archer coming to get us, and the Settler is 2 turns from finishing.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...dPositions.jpg

- Sneakily, the enemy has founded a city right next door to us. Crap. We're getting enveloped.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...dInfluence.jpg

- We have units spread slightly less now, and they are in solid defense positions. The one benefit of having Egypt above us is we don't need to worry about barbs there. But they'll probably try to do something to get the Stone resource.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...WideFinish.jpg

- We found Iron, but its way the hell out there, and going to be a bitch to get to. And we have NO HORSES on the entire damn continent. Crap.

http://araesmojo.001webs.com/Civ4Scr...urceFinish.jpg

I have removed the immediate threat of barbs. When the settler finishes, he should run his ass off to the already defended city position, going by the archer if its near, and immediately found something. We are currently going for Theology. Also, I forgot to mention, but the enemy founded Confucism, because we went for Math. We may win the race for Theology. Hard to tell. We also need to get that last Unhappy face gone from Washington. Possibly a Temple, although another Settler might not be bad. We need to get bigger and quick. One either near the Boston marker, or to head off expansion near what I termed Missoura.

Pang Your Turn
- GAME FILE, 200 BC.