Alright, we're doing a Let's Play. We're playing Civilization V. I'll be writing out my experience as I work through this game.
Even if you don't like video games, you might like reading through this. Before I ever actually played it, I remember reading people reference their games and getting a kick out of it. The combination of real-world significance with the variability of players tactics and randomized circumstance creates for some bizarre storylines.
In this game, you get to play as a civilization (Civ) and historical figure. You start in the stone age and move through different eras as you develop technology. You play alongside other Civs and compete to conquer the world. This can be done through five different win conditions:
- Technology Victory: You put a man on the moon
- Diplomacy Victory: You become the leader of the World Congress
- Cultural Victory: Your tourism becomes greater than every other Civs culture
- Conquerer's Victory: You conquer ever other Civ's capital
The first person to achieve one of those is the winner.
I've won via technology and culture in the past. My favorite Civ to play is Pedro II of Brazil, and I've also played as Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon and Ahmad Al-Mansur of Morocco.
You can manipulate your game's conditions by choosing what the geography will look like, what era you want to start in, what win conditions are viable etc. I'm going to be playing with mostly default settings. So the geography will be continental, there will be 8 Civs including myself, and all win conditions are viable.
I'm going to be playing at the third level of difficulty (Warlord). Any true gamers out there might think this is unimpressive, but I think it's the level I'm at. I have managed to lose games at this difficulty.
I wanted to do this earlier in the pandemic, because people seemed to become more aware of their national status on a global scale, so it seemed topical. Because of this, I will only be selecting Civs that exist in our current era.
That proved difficult to do. What defines a nation? Some of these Civs have different names than they used to, but are culturally very similar. Is it the culture? Some have the same name, but are culturally very different from their past. Is it the people? Some people continue to exist and retain their culture, but their nations are not recognized internationally.
Do I include Korea if it is now divided into the North and South? Do I include the Iroquois and Shoshone people, whose nations are not recognized internationally, but whose people and culture live one? Do I include Siam even if it's name has changed to Thailand?
And yet, the distinction of existing the past vs present seems to have some validity, as some civilizations only really exist in the past. It would be hard to justify the inclusion of Babylon or the Ottoman Empire.
So I'm not going to go into the metric I used to determine current relevancy, because there's no perfect way to do it and I don't want to open that debate.
I did manage to cut Civ V's 40 playable options to 21.
From here I'm going to use a random number generator to choose the 8 Civs that will play in the game.
I got:
- Egypt
- England
- Ethiopia
- Germany
- Greece
- Morocco
- Polynesia
- Sweden
Now I'll use the random number generator to choose which of these 8 I will play as.
So that means I am...
Ramses II of Egypt!
Every Civ has some special characteristics that can give them an advantage over their opponents. For Egypt, they can construct special buildings (Wonders) 20% faster. They can build the Burial Tomb instead of the Temple, and they have the War Chariot instead of the Chariot Archer, which are both improvements.
That 20% edge on Wonder construction is a really nice feature. If I lose this game, it's not because I got unlucky with my Civ.
Alright, here I go.
Got my scout, now I’m building a worker.
I’ve discovered the City State of Hanoi. I should mention here that in addition to the major Civs there are also City States. These smaller civilizations are autonomous and will develop units and technology, but they don't attempt to complete win conditions or found additional cities. You interact with them by allying with them, building trade routes, or going to war with them
First Civ I meet is Kamehameha of Polynesia. He found me not the other way around. Not too surprising. If I do recall, Polynesia is big on exploration.
I’m building a shrine now, because there’s only room for five religions on this map, and while I don’t want to be a fully religion based Civ, I still want to have it, you know?
Discovered Koala Lumpur, another City State. I should mention here that Civ V is not geographically accurate. It wants to simulate the experience of discovering the world, which you wouldn't get if you already know where everything is. So it randomizes things.
I can now choose a social policy. I chose Liberty to further enhance my already strong production. I was tempted by Piety to lock in a religion though.
Starting my first Wonder, the Temple of Artemis.
Killed my first barbarians who were foolish enough to attack Thebes. Barbarians are people who set up encampments and attack or abduct units from Civs indiscriminately.
I’ve explored my continent. It appears I’m alone aside from the city states Hanoi and Koala Lampur. My warrior who evolved to spearman on his journey returns home.
Got a Pantheon, first step to founding religion. I took Religious Settlements to increase my border growth. I might wind up regretting this since there isn’t much competition on this continent. Might be able to afford to take my time with that and focus on other things.
I founded my second city, Memphis. Did it by the coast because that was the only recommended spot on this continent. Don’t know if this means I’ll have to run a two city empire, but at least I’ve always enjoyed having a city on the coast. Already thinking of invading the two nearby city states. I know Alexander the Great of Greece is here somewhere on this map, and he doesn’t like it when people bully city states, so it might be best to do that while he's not around to see it. It'll be an ancient part of our history by the time we meet.
In a previous game, Greece destroyed me in the early game. Alexander was furious that I had the audacity to have a strong military and exist near a City State that he had allied with. He set up camp within that City State, ambushed me out of nowhere, and demolished me. I'm still traumatised. So maybe if there aren't any City States on this continent by the time we meet, he won't get paranoid about my army's proximity to them.
Oof, an unmet player has exited the Stone Age and entered the Classical Era. I might be a step behind.
Kamehameha wants to do a trade. He wants to trade money (gold), for the luxury item (gold). Seems weird and pointless, but it’s probably a good idea to build rapport with the only other person in my network. Agreed!
Built the pyramids. Very fitting for Egypt. Finally made it to the Classical Era. Apparently like, three other Civs beat me to it.
I've founded the city Heliopolis. For some reason the settler was able to find more recommended locations now. I should probably slow my roll with founding cities, especially if I’m going to invade Hanoi and Koala Lampur later on.
Somebody founded Eastern Orthodoxy. Four more religious slots available. I feel like I’ve really got to be promoting religion.
I just killed some barbarians and Koala Lampur is under the impression that I defended them. Not going to discourage the perspective. We’re friends now.
I'm building a Trireme in Memphis to do my first exploration by sea. I really don’t think I’ll be the first to discover all other civilizations. That will probably be Kamehameha, since his whole jam is travel by sea, highly relevant to early game exploration. He’ll probably head the first world counsel, but that’s okay. He’s not as strong in the late game, so I don’t think he’s a relevant rival.
Researching Writing so that I can develop Philosophy, which will give me the Egypt-exclusive production Burial Tomb, which grants faith, hopefully securing me a religion
Polynesia wants to set up an embassy in Thebes. He’s offering the bare minimum amount of money and not offering me an embassy in his territory. I always take this as an insult. Reject.
I’m at a net negative regarding finances. I’ve built up enough in savings that I’m not in danger now, but this will need to be addressed.
Got my Tririme, so it's time to explore the oceans. Using it, I’ve met the City States of Sidon, Riga, and Almaty. Sidon's met Polynesia, but I was the first Great Civ to meet Riga and Almaty, so Kamehameha hasn't done his rounds yet.
I tried to build The Great Library, but an unmet Civ beat me to it. The game forced me to abandon the project. Doesn’t feel good.
Ooh! I just got my first Great Prophet. I can found a religion now.
I kind of wanted the religion to be named COVID-19 or something to be topical, but now I’m worried about being disrespectful. I’m pretty sure I could adopt the symbol of Zoroastrianism and not cause too much outrage, since the religion has fallen out of practice so long ago, but even so, it feels disrespectful. Egypt’s default religion is Islam, so I guess I’ll just go with that.
I’m choosing Religious Art and Church Property for my religious benefits. I’ll gain culture and tourism for the Hermitage, and I’ll gain money for cities following my religion
Created Stonehenge. Founded the city Elephantine. I really gotta stop founding cities, but I got a free settler from one of my enhancements, and I couldn’t waste it, could I?
Now Kamehameha wants to establish an embassy with me in return for me establishing an embassy with him. Seems kind of suspicious the way he’s doubling down, but this is much more respectful than his last offer, so I’ll accept.
The embassies are set up and it turns out Polynesia is actually my neghbour, and not just some super savvy ocean exploration specialist. Now Kamehameha wants to make a declaration of friendship with him. Yes!
Kind of weird to make a Declaration of Friendship to the world when we're the only two Civs to witness it. I guess Hanoi, Koala Lampur, Sidon, Riga, and Almaty get to know.
My people are at a net neutral for Happiness. Looks like I’ll have to take a break from expansion and focus on the wealth and happiness of my people. If Happiness moves into the negatives, your citizens convert to barbarians and start burning your property. Don't want that. Happiness drops when people are starving, the economy is bad, population density gets too high etc. You increase it by providing resources and developing special buildings, often surrounding entertainment.
Just developed my ability to build siege weapons. Those are for you, Hanoi and Koala Lampur.
Gonna research horseback riding so that I can finally cash in on the Opera House, which can lead to the Hermitage. I got a religious bonus that boosts my culture and tourism from the Hermitage, if you recall.
Just adopted my second Social Policy. Going with Aesthetics. Guess I’m going for a Cultural Victory.
Brazil, which is the Civ I play most, specializes in this kind of victory. I think Egypt is good with Culture or Tech, which is good for me, because those are the only two win conditions I've ever pulled off.
I finally brought in trade routes, and I’m pulling a financial profit. Just developed fishing boats. I have a single trireme to defend my ocean-based business. I should really expand my navy.
I made it to the Medieval era. Last time three Civs advanced to an era beyond before I upgraded. This time only two Civs beat me to it. Improvement.
I just asked Kamehameha if he wanted to open his borders to me if I did the same and he said yes! Now I can move through his territory to discover the world.
...The world isn’t showing much more though. The two of us are really isolated. I’ll need to get Astronomy to be able to go far enough out to sea to find more Civs.
I just got my first Great Writer: Jane Austin. This will allow me to create a Great Work, which will generate my first Tourism points. Seems weird when you only know one other Civilization though. I guess I'm bringing in those Polynesian tourists.
There you go, Jane Austin of Egypt wrote Pride and Prejudice.
Now I’m invading Hanoi. Out of boredom more than anything. It might put strain on my friendship with Polynesia, but they're not allied with them so it shouldn’t bother them too much.
When you go to war with another Civ or City State (barbarians don't count), you receive something called a "warlord penalty", meaning other Civs are less likely to trust you or want to deal with you. The warlord penalty is worse for the allies of the Civ or City State being attacked, and it's worse if you attack your own ally. People don't like the unpredictability of a Civ that would attack its own friends, so it's important to communicate aggression in advance of invading them, as weird as that sounds.
I just defeated Hanoi. It was easy.
I get the option to either raze the conquered City State to the ground and receive a large but one-off bonus, or I can annex it, bringing it into my empire in its entirety, or I can turn it into a Puppet State, meaning that they keep their autonomy and my population doesn't take as large a hit to their Happiness, but I can move through their territory and their resources are shared with mine. I'm turning it into a Puppet State. In my first game as Morocco, I loved annexing cities. I was a bit of a control freak.
Sergey Vasilyevich Ivanov was born into my land, but I don’t have a building available to display his art. How humiliating.
I made it to the Renaissance Era! I was fourth to the Classical Era, the third to the Medieval Era, and now first to the Renaissance! I developed Acoustics to get here, so that I can build Opera Houses, so I can get my advanced Hermitages. Next goal is to develop the Compass, and then Astronomy, which should allow me to explore the rest of the world. I severely neglected developing the material development side of technology to get here this fast. I don’t even have Bronze. I’ll have to develop them if I want to eventually get Railroads. I really like Railroads.
I can now use spies and diplomats. Spies can steal technology from other Civs, while diplomats can apply social pressure. I’m sending a diplomat to Honolulu.
I completed the Aesthetics social policy line. I got Horace Vernet from it, and now I’ve got two Great Artists with no place to post their work.
A new report says that I’m the most progressive Civilization in the world! Polynesia’s number five! Can't see what position everyone else is in, because they don't report that unless you've met them, and I've still only met Polynesia.
I’ve achieved Astronomy! This means I can build ships capable of exploring deep into the oceans. Now I don’t really know what tech to develop. Part of me wants to develop some metallurgy, but I don’t want to lose the momentum I’ve gained on my more developed side of the tech tree. I’ll do Bronze Working, Engineering, Iron Working and Metal Casting, and then I’ll go back to more culture-based techs.
Oof, I immediately discovered iron and got my first Great Engineer. Took me long enough.
I also don't know where to send my ocean-cruising Caravells. At this rate, it looks like I’ll run into Greece before I invade Koala Lampur, but there’s still a lot of unknowns and they’re both projects early in development.
With my head start, I might have a chance to be the first person to discover the world. I really thought it would be either Polynesia or Greece, but we’ll see!
Finally! I built the Sistine Chapel, and now Ivanov and Vernet can display their art.
Sent two Caravells out to explore the world and now I only have one Caravell to protect my coast. Feeling pretty vulnerable.
Aw geez, I’m able to choose another Social Policy before unlocking Ideologies. Going with Rationalism. Was tempted by Piety because my faith is pretty strong due to having no competing religions near me and it would allow me to do some pretty creative stuff, but some of the bonuses are less attractive at this stage in the game, and someone already built the Great Mosque of Djenne, which is the World Wonder it would have unlocked. Rationalism is still untapped and its benefits are better suited to this era, developing science.
After what felt like a long time exploring the oceans, almost simultaneously I've entountered Ahmad Al-Mansur of Morocco, Haille Selassi of Ethiopia, Bismarck of Germany, Gustav Adolphus of Sweden, Alexander the Great of Greece, and Queen Elizabeth of England.
If you're keeping track, that means I've now met every Civ in the game. Hopefully I'm the first person to meet everyone. I guess I'm relying on Polynesia not managing it, since it seems like these guys all know each other. Seems like they've had to share two continents between 6 Civs, whereas me and Polynesia got an entire continent for each of our respective Civs. I got lucky by getting a good Civ, and fortune shined on me geographically as well. I'm going to be humiliated if I don't win.
Everybody's trying to get me to open my borders and allow embassies. Guys, do you even have the tech to reach my borders?
Just noticed that even if I'm the first to meet everyone, I'm two techs short to found the World Congress, and it's on the side of the tech tree that I've neglected. Crap. New goal.
Hm… Damaged Polynesian ships showing up on Egyptian shores. Likely hiding out because they’re the only ones I’ve opened my borders to, and whoever is pursuing them can’t enter my space without declaring war. I’m cool with giving the Polynesians refuge, but who are they hiding from?
Alright, I’m declaring war on Koala Lumpur. If I get it, it’ll be my last land grab. I would have preferred that Greece didn’t see this, but he’s not protecting them, so whatever.
I founded the World Congress! Now I get to propose a resolution. Looks like we’ve got some artsy Civs. 4 Civs would be grateful if I proposed Arts funding, and 4 would be mad if I proposed sciences funding.
I went for Cultural Heritage Sites, which benefits those who’ve built World Wonders, and Egypt’s talent is building World Wonders fast. Queen Elizabeth of England proposed Arts Funding. Both are an advantage to me, and both got approved.
I get to propose something but nothing looks appealing. I’ll go with Natural Heritage Sites, meaning that natural Wonders receive more Culture. I’ve got some of those.
Just made it to the Industrial Era by discovering Archaeology. Think I’m the first one to make it here. I think my next goal will be to discover railroads in the Modern Era.
Ahmad Al-Mansur of Morocco just expressed his displeasure that me and Germany are friends.
Now Kamehameha of Polynesia is asking for gold in return for nothing. He’s appealing to our friendship. I suppose I can help him out.
My people are suddenly negative 6 happiness and I don’t know why. I’ll retire my scouts so they’ll stop draining resources and since they no long have a purpose after discovering the world.
City States have been approved to vote on the World Congress. Alexander has the most voting power and Kamehameha comes second. I can’t compete. I think I’ll put my votes toward supporting Kamehameha, just because he’s less intimidating
I get the choice to choose a social tenant. I’ve usually found success with “Freedom”, but because of Egypt's playstyle, I’m choosing “Order”
Polynesia settled a city on the Southern coast of the continent I'm on. I’m furious. I wanted this whole continent to myself. I really don't want to go to war with my oldest ally, but it’s exactly where I’d put a city if I were to add another to my empire.
Now they built another on a nearby island. I'm beginning to feel surrounded. Maybe I should have been more proactive about warning them not to settle near me.
I can now see oil and coal and I don't have any of either. This is going to make it difficult for my military to keep up. I traded Greece some silver for coal.
Germany is the only Civ where my cultural influence isn’t increasing.
Ethiopia has declared war on England. So I’m not the first to declare war on another major Civ. Proud of myself choking back the urge to invade Polynesia for settling land all around me.
I made allies with four nearby city states: Sidon, Riga, Almaty, and Kyzyl. This should get me a bit more voting power in the World Congress. You get in the good graces of City States by giving them money. If you give them a certain amount, they'll let you move through their territory. If you give them more than any other Civ, they become your ally, vote for you at World Congress and side with you in times of war. This is a big reason why "Diplomatic Victories" are really "Financial Victories".
I lost a few allies the turn before the World Congress. Frustrating.
Greece wants to make Buddhism the World Religion. Polynesia wants to ban salt. Greece has stronger voting power than anyone in the world, but not strong enough to dominate if enough people vote against them. I put all my delegates to vote against establishing a world religion.
Buddhism was rejected for world religion and Alexander has let me know that he blames me.
I just realized that I haven’t been using my Faith Points to make Religious Purchases. Time to bank in on a ton of Great Artists.
Bismarck went all the way from being guarded against me to wanting to make a Declaration of Friendship. Now I’m friends with Germany, Polynesia and Morocco. Instead of assaulting Polynesia, maybe it’s best to set up an alliance against Greece.
I invented the Eiffel Tower and Broadway. Very cool because only one Civ in the world can have these.
I’m building hotels and broadcast towers in all of my cities. Good buildings for tourism.
Greece has the most delegates again, with Polynesia running up. I have third most. I’ll put my delegates toward keeping Polynesia in power.
We succeeded.
Gustav Adolphus concedes that Egypt has culturally dominated Sweden. He says that they're all listening to our pop music and wearing our blue jeans. It's just what people say when they've been culturally dominated. If I can do this to the other 6 Civs, I win.
Polynesia has just settled another city on another island off my coast. They have me surrounded at four points. I don't like this.
I’m going to denounce Greece. They’re the most resistant to my cultural influence (Germany's come around) and I don’t think I can keep them from becoming head of the World Congress for another session. If I build a bad relationship now, I’ll not startle the other Civs if I have to go to war with them later down the road. This would prevent me from sending musicians to their land, but since they’re already guarded, I don’t think this will impact things later down the road
After my denouncement, Germany, Polynesia, Morocco, and England decided to join me in denouncing Greece. I feel supported.
Polynesia wants to make Freedom the new World Ideolology. As I have “Order”, I have to vote against it. I hope this doesn’t drive a wedge between us.
Freedom failed to be passed, but sugar got banned.
I have culturally dominated Polynesia.
Since my denouncement of Greece went so well I'm going to look for support from the other Civs in going to war with them.
Ethiopia has agreed to go to war and Polynesia and Germany have agreed to do it in 10 turns. England, Morocco, and Sweden all say no. Ethiopia wants to make a Declaration of Friendship with us. Prospects of war against Greece must have endeared them to us.
I've made it to the Atomic Era.
In the World Congress, Ban Salt passed and Embargo Greece failed.
I have culturally dominated Ethiopia.
I’m aiming for the Internet as my next tech goal, which will double my tourism output.
Now that I'm at war with Greece, all their allied City States have turned against me. The plus side to this is that I don't receive as much of a warlord penalty for conquering them. Because of this, I have just invaded Cape Town and turned it into a Puppet State.
I also took Knossos, a Greek city built on an island near Cape Town, just North of Hanoi and Koala Lampur.
Ethiopia is attacking Greece. First Civ other than me to take initiative in the war.
Greece’s culture is still really strong. If the Internet doesn’t do it, I might have to consider annexing my puppet states to build more cultural buildings.
I’m in the negatives for oil.
Germany wants me to go to war with England but I don’t want to.
Most of my navy is out by Knossos and Cape Town since they’re island nations and I have an airforce to protect the coast of my mainland.
Got a diplomat in London. So now I’ve got diplomats there as well as Honolulu, Marrakech, and Berlin.
In the top ten ranking for cities with the most tourism, my cities cover the top three. Also got the fifth. London is awkwardly inbetweern Heliopolis and Memphis.
Ethiopia and Polynesia appealed to end their war with Greece. I’m not done with them yet.
Polynesia wants me to support them in going to war with England. It seems like the world would rather turn against England than Greece. Not me. Greece is building steadily toward a Diplomatic Victory whereas I can't see a way that England could pull off a win, unless they've secretly been producing nukes and are going for a Conquerer's Victory. I don't think they are, though.
Alexander wants to end the war. He’s not offering anything though. Forget it. I can take two more of his City States before I’ll consider it. Riga and Almaty are within my reach and are allied with him.If I can take them while at war with him, I can reduce his voting power, increase my own, and not suffer as much of a warlord penalty.
Polynesia’s positioning its’ military in an intimidating way. Kamehameha says that my military’s positioning is worrisome and advises I pull out for the sake of future peace. Fair enough. I’ve had all my siege units sitting at the border of Aotearoa in case we ever beef it out. Our Civs’ relationship and open borders agreement is imperative to my navy, so I will comply.
England just denounced me for some reason. We’ve got trade agreements and I’ve refused to go to war with her despite global pressure. I guess she just doesn’t like that I’m friends with so many of her enemies.
Actually, England just succumbed to my cultural influence. Maybe that was the reason for the denouncement. Just need Germany and Greece to succumb now.
I’ve built all the buildings I can in Thebes and don’t need any units. I guess I’ll commit it to science research.
I made it to the Information Era, the final era of the game.
I just took Riga and turned it into a puppet state.
The World Congress has become the United Nations, making a Diplomatic Victory possible, which is what Greece is going for. My going into the Information Era is what made this happen, but it’s unfortunate timing because we’re having a meeting next turn and this works in Greece’s favour. I’m glad I took Riga last turn, it’ll take away some of Greece’s influence.
but it’s unfortunate timing because we’re having a meeting next turn and this works in Greece’s favour. I’m glad I took Riga last turn, it’ll take away some of Greece’s influence.
Greece has 24 delegates, followed by Polynesia with 8, then me with 6. Stark contrast here. As per tradition, I funnel all my support into Polynesia.
Predictably, Greece became host of the UN.
I got enough oil from invading Riga that I got to upgrade my entire airforce.
My economy’s gone down the toilet. Probably from invading Riga. They do have uranium though. The first uranium I’ve encountered. I have to build a mine for it though.
It just became 2022. I’m a year in the future now.
Crap. Greece wants to embargo me, which is bad. Polynesia wants to make Islam the World Religion, which would be good for me. I can either put my voting power toward resisting the embargo, or I could put it toward supporting Islam. I split the difference and put 3 votes against the embargo, and 3 toward Islam.
Embargo Egypt passed. World Religion Islam didn’t. Worst possible result for me. Despite 4 Civs voting in my favour and 2 against, I still got the embargo.
The International Games have been completed. I was the only Civ not to participate. Didn’t seem worth it. Polynesia won.
I just took Almaty as a Puppet State. That means my territory includes 10 cities. I think that’s the most of any Civ, with Polynesia coming in second with 9. I think this is as much as I can do, without getting too close to enemy territory, unless Greece allies with Sidon (the final remaining autonomous City State in mine and Polynesia’s territory, now under protection of Polynesia).
In my kingdom, I have four cities, one captured city from another Civ (Knossos, formerly of Greece) and five former City States. Right now, Almaty is bordered by the German city, Cologne, which is fine as they are an ally of mine.
I’m retiring some military units that were invented before the use of gunpowder. I think I’ll slowly replace them with more modern soldiers.
This is as much as I can beat up Greece, so I’m going to negotiate peace and try to demand a bunch of stuff from them while I’m at it.
I told him to give me money and coal and he did it! I didn’t offer anything on my end except for a mutual peace between us and our allied City States for 10 turns.
Huh. Polynesia told me off for being an “uncivilized brute”. Right after making peace with Greece. Weird. Must have been conquering Almaty.
I’m proud of myself. I’ve gone to war with Greece and conquered 6 cities, and 5 of the other 7 Civs are still friendly with me.
Greece is denouncing me. What’s the point? Can’t go to war when we’ve signed a peace treaty.
I discovered the Internet!
Well, it appears I didn’t win the game. I guess I’ll start annexing puppet states and building more cultural buildings.
I’ve culturally dominated Germany. Only Greece left.
We just had the World Congress and no World Leader was chosen. You need 37 delegates and Greece only has 24. If Greece can get 13 more delegates before I culturally dominate him, he wins.
Just annexed Koala Lumpur. Thought I’d start there because it’s been in my empire for so long and it’s by the coast so I can build naval units.
I just completed every social tenant, plus 4 social policies: Liberty, Piety, Rationalism, Aesthetics. Took on the Exploration Social Policy. Not too relevant now.
A Great Musician was born. If I can convince Alexander to open his borders, I could perform a concert tour. Too bad our relationship is shot
Just annexed Hannoi. Let’s do it, full control over the mainland!
Buddhism became the World Religion. That's Greece's religion. Not good for me.
Started the Apollo Program. First step toward a Science Victory. Don’t really think I have time for it, but maybe it’s worth having a backup plan.
Alexander won’t open his borders no matter how much I offer to him. Smart of him.
No World Leader chosen again. I probably have 20 turns to win this.
England lost its capital! Greece took London. England has been conquered and has fallen out of the competition.
Greece took Sidon as an ally. Now if I go to war with Greece, Sidon will become my enemy and I can conquer them without suffering a warlord penalty. Also, I’d be able to send my musician onto Greek territory and perform a concert tour.
Alright, I’ve declared war by having my musician walk across their border.
I just took Sidon and turned it into a Puppet State.
Now that I’ve done my concert tour and took his allied City State, I tried to demand a bunch of his stuff for peace but he flatly declined.
Weirdly, he wants to negotiate peace shortly after I offered and he declined.
He just sold me Sparta for peace. I didn’t even ask for it. It’s on the opposite side of the map, I don’t think I can defend it. If someone tries to take it, I’ll just sell it to Morocco or Ethiopia.
I found an Antiquity Site that still needs to be excavated. I’m sending some people over, but Kamehameha is getting nervous and warned me not to move so many military units by his territory.
Researching Nuclear Fission. I’ve never nuked anyone in a game, but I’m getting really tempted to drop one on Greece’s capital. It would make the whole world turn against me though.
Even though England lost their capital, they still have functioning cities and they chose to found a city on the southern side of my mainland where there was still some land I hadn’t settled. I’d just made a Settler to found one right around there. Might as well take it from here. She built it right where I put all my siege weapons after Kamehameha complained. I’ll have my Settler found a city nearby where there’s some unmined oil.
Just founded Alexandria. Between that and Hastings, the new English city which I’m gonna conquer, I’ll own what’s left of this continent.
I’m denouncing England in preparation for war so that I can take Hastings. England’s unpopular anyway.
Ethiopia and Polynesia are happy that I denounced her.
Got a musician! Between this and the antiquity site, maybe I can still win this.
Just took Hastings.
Kamehameha has denounced us! That’s pretty disturbing. My closest neighbour and ally!
Oh… doesn’t matter though, because…
I WON!
I culturally dominated Greece! I didn’t need the musician or antiquity site after all.
I’ve discovered the City State of Hanoi. I should mention here that in addition to the major Civs there are also City States. These smaller civilizations are autonomous and will develop units and technology, but they don't attempt to complete win conditions or found additional cities. You interact with them by allying with them, building trade routes, or going to war with them
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I finished researching pottery, now I’m researching archery to get my signature unit, the War Chariot, and establish a strong early game military
I finished researching pottery, now I’m researching archery to get my signature unit, the War Chariot, and establish a strong early game military
First Civ I meet is Kamehameha of Polynesia. He found me not the other way around. Not too surprising. If I do recall, Polynesia is big on exploration.
I’m building a shrine now, because there’s only room for five religions on this map, and while I don’t want to be a fully religion based Civ, I still want to have it, you know?
Discovered Koala Lumpur, another City State. I should mention here that Civ V is not geographically accurate. It wants to simulate the experience of discovering the world, which you wouldn't get if you already know where everything is. So it randomizes things.
I can now choose a social policy. I chose Liberty to further enhance my already strong production. I was tempted by Piety to lock in a religion though.
Starting my first Wonder, the Temple of Artemis.
Killed my first barbarians who were foolish enough to attack Thebes. Barbarians are people who set up encampments and attack or abduct units from Civs indiscriminately.
I’ve explored my continent. It appears I’m alone aside from the city states Hanoi and Koala Lampur. My warrior who evolved to spearman on his journey returns home.
Got a Pantheon, first step to founding religion. I took Religious Settlements to increase my border growth. I might wind up regretting this since there isn’t much competition on this continent. Might be able to afford to take my time with that and focus on other things.
I founded my second city, Memphis. Did it by the coast because that was the only recommended spot on this continent. Don’t know if this means I’ll have to run a two city empire, but at least I’ve always enjoyed having a city on the coast. Already thinking of invading the two nearby city states. I know Alexander the Great of Greece is here somewhere on this map, and he doesn’t like it when people bully city states, so it might be best to do that while he's not around to see it. It'll be an ancient part of our history by the time we meet.
In a previous game, Greece destroyed me in the early game. Alexander was furious that I had the audacity to have a strong military and exist near a City State that he had allied with. He set up camp within that City State, ambushed me out of nowhere, and demolished me. I'm still traumatised. So maybe if there aren't any City States on this continent by the time we meet, he won't get paranoid about my army's proximity to them.
Oof, an unmet player has exited the Stone Age and entered the Classical Era. I might be a step behind.
Kamehameha wants to do a trade. He wants to trade money (gold), for the luxury item (gold). Seems weird and pointless, but it’s probably a good idea to build rapport with the only other person in my network. Agreed!
Built the pyramids. Very fitting for Egypt. Finally made it to the Classical Era. Apparently like, three other Civs beat me to it.
I've founded the city Heliopolis. For some reason the settler was able to find more recommended locations now. I should probably slow my roll with founding cities, especially if I’m going to invade Hanoi and Koala Lampur later on.
Somebody founded Eastern Orthodoxy. Four more religious slots available. I feel like I’ve really got to be promoting religion.
I just killed some barbarians and Koala Lampur is under the impression that I defended them. Not going to discourage the perspective. We’re friends now.
I'm building a Trireme in Memphis to do my first exploration by sea. I really don’t think I’ll be the first to discover all other civilizations. That will probably be Kamehameha, since his whole jam is travel by sea, highly relevant to early game exploration. He’ll probably head the first world counsel, but that’s okay. He’s not as strong in the late game, so I don’t think he’s a relevant rival.
Researching Writing so that I can develop Philosophy, which will give me the Egypt-exclusive production Burial Tomb, which grants faith, hopefully securing me a religion
Polynesia wants to set up an embassy in Thebes. He’s offering the bare minimum amount of money and not offering me an embassy in his territory. I always take this as an insult. Reject.
I’m at a net negative regarding finances. I’ve built up enough in savings that I’m not in danger now, but this will need to be addressed.
Got my Tririme, so it's time to explore the oceans. Using it, I’ve met the City States of Sidon, Riga, and Almaty. Sidon's met Polynesia, but I was the first Great Civ to meet Riga and Almaty, so Kamehameha hasn't done his rounds yet.
I tried to build The Great Library, but an unmet Civ beat me to it. The game forced me to abandon the project. Doesn’t feel good.
Ooh! I just got my first Great Prophet. I can found a religion now.
I kind of wanted the religion to be named COVID-19 or something to be topical, but now I’m worried about being disrespectful. I’m pretty sure I could adopt the symbol of Zoroastrianism and not cause too much outrage, since the religion has fallen out of practice so long ago, but even so, it feels disrespectful. Egypt’s default religion is Islam, so I guess I’ll just go with that.
I’m choosing Religious Art and Church Property for my religious benefits. I’ll gain culture and tourism for the Hermitage, and I’ll gain money for cities following my religion
Created Stonehenge. Founded the city Elephantine. I really gotta stop founding cities, but I got a free settler from one of my enhancements, and I couldn’t waste it, could I?
Now Kamehameha wants to establish an embassy with me in return for me establishing an embassy with him. Seems kind of suspicious the way he’s doubling down, but this is much more respectful than his last offer, so I’ll accept.
The embassies are set up and it turns out Polynesia is actually my neghbour, and not just some super savvy ocean exploration specialist. Now Kamehameha wants to make a declaration of friendship with him. Yes!
Kind of weird to make a Declaration of Friendship to the world when we're the only two Civs to witness it. I guess Hanoi, Koala Lampur, Sidon, Riga, and Almaty get to know.
My people are at a net neutral for Happiness. Looks like I’ll have to take a break from expansion and focus on the wealth and happiness of my people. If Happiness moves into the negatives, your citizens convert to barbarians and start burning your property. Don't want that. Happiness drops when people are starving, the economy is bad, population density gets too high etc. You increase it by providing resources and developing special buildings, often surrounding entertainment.
Just developed my ability to build siege weapons. Those are for you, Hanoi and Koala Lampur.
Gonna research horseback riding so that I can finally cash in on the Opera House, which can lead to the Hermitage. I got a religious bonus that boosts my culture and tourism from the Hermitage, if you recall.
Just adopted my second Social Policy. Going with Aesthetics. Guess I’m going for a Cultural Victory.
Brazil, which is the Civ I play most, specializes in this kind of victory. I think Egypt is good with Culture or Tech, which is good for me, because those are the only two win conditions I've ever pulled off.
I finally brought in trade routes, and I’m pulling a financial profit. Just developed fishing boats. I have a single trireme to defend my ocean-based business. I should really expand my navy.
I made it to the Medieval era. Last time three Civs advanced to an era beyond before I upgraded. This time only two Civs beat me to it. Improvement.
I just asked Kamehameha if he wanted to open his borders to me if I did the same and he said yes! Now I can move through his territory to discover the world.
...The world isn’t showing much more though. The two of us are really isolated. I’ll need to get Astronomy to be able to go far enough out to sea to find more Civs.
I just got my first Great Writer: Jane Austin. This will allow me to create a Great Work, which will generate my first Tourism points. Seems weird when you only know one other Civilization though. I guess I'm bringing in those Polynesian tourists.
There you go, Jane Austin of Egypt wrote Pride and Prejudice.
Now I’m invading Hanoi. Out of boredom more than anything. It might put strain on my friendship with Polynesia, but they're not allied with them so it shouldn’t bother them too much.
When you go to war with another Civ or City State (barbarians don't count), you receive something called a "warlord penalty", meaning other Civs are less likely to trust you or want to deal with you. The warlord penalty is worse for the allies of the Civ or City State being attacked, and it's worse if you attack your own ally. People don't like the unpredictability of a Civ that would attack its own friends, so it's important to communicate aggression in advance of invading them, as weird as that sounds.
I just defeated Hanoi. It was easy.
I get the option to either raze the conquered City State to the ground and receive a large but one-off bonus, or I can annex it, bringing it into my empire in its entirety, or I can turn it into a Puppet State, meaning that they keep their autonomy and my population doesn't take as large a hit to their Happiness, but I can move through their territory and their resources are shared with mine. I'm turning it into a Puppet State. In my first game as Morocco, I loved annexing cities. I was a bit of a control freak.
Just got a report that my people are the least happy in the world. They didn't take the Battle for Hanoi well, I guess.
Sergey Vasilyevich Ivanov was born into my land, but I don’t have a building available to display his art. How humiliating.
I made it to the Renaissance Era! I was fourth to the Classical Era, the third to the Medieval Era, and now first to the Renaissance! I developed Acoustics to get here, so that I can build Opera Houses, so I can get my advanced Hermitages. Next goal is to develop the Compass, and then Astronomy, which should allow me to explore the rest of the world. I severely neglected developing the material development side of technology to get here this fast. I don’t even have Bronze. I’ll have to develop them if I want to eventually get Railroads. I really like Railroads.
I can now use spies and diplomats. Spies can steal technology from other Civs, while diplomats can apply social pressure. I’m sending a diplomat to Honolulu.
I completed the Aesthetics social policy line. I got Horace Vernet from it, and now I’ve got two Great Artists with no place to post their work.
A new report says that I’m the most progressive Civilization in the world! Polynesia’s number five! Can't see what position everyone else is in, because they don't report that unless you've met them, and I've still only met Polynesia.
I’ve achieved Astronomy! This means I can build ships capable of exploring deep into the oceans. Now I don’t really know what tech to develop. Part of me wants to develop some metallurgy, but I don’t want to lose the momentum I’ve gained on my more developed side of the tech tree. I’ll do Bronze Working, Engineering, Iron Working and Metal Casting, and then I’ll go back to more culture-based techs.
Oof, I immediately discovered iron and got my first Great Engineer. Took me long enough.
I also don't know where to send my ocean-cruising Caravells. At this rate, it looks like I’ll run into Greece before I invade Koala Lampur, but there’s still a lot of unknowns and they’re both projects early in development.
With my head start, I might have a chance to be the first person to discover the world. I really thought it would be either Polynesia or Greece, but we’ll see!
Finally! I built the Sistine Chapel, and now Ivanov and Vernet can display their art.
Sent two Caravells out to explore the world and now I only have one Caravell to protect my coast. Feeling pretty vulnerable.
Aw geez, I’m able to choose another Social Policy before unlocking Ideologies. Going with Rationalism. Was tempted by Piety because my faith is pretty strong due to having no competing religions near me and it would allow me to do some pretty creative stuff, but some of the bonuses are less attractive at this stage in the game, and someone already built the Great Mosque of Djenne, which is the World Wonder it would have unlocked. Rationalism is still untapped and its benefits are better suited to this era, developing science.
After what felt like a long time exploring the oceans, almost simultaneously I've entountered Ahmad Al-Mansur of Morocco, Haille Selassi of Ethiopia, Bismarck of Germany, Gustav Adolphus of Sweden, Alexander the Great of Greece, and Queen Elizabeth of England.
If you're keeping track, that means I've now met every Civ in the game. Hopefully I'm the first person to meet everyone. I guess I'm relying on Polynesia not managing it, since it seems like these guys all know each other. Seems like they've had to share two continents between 6 Civs, whereas me and Polynesia got an entire continent for each of our respective Civs. I got lucky by getting a good Civ, and fortune shined on me geographically as well. I'm going to be humiliated if I don't win.
Everybody's trying to get me to open my borders and allow embassies. Guys, do you even have the tech to reach my borders?
Just noticed that even if I'm the first to meet everyone, I'm two techs short to found the World Congress, and it's on the side of the tech tree that I've neglected. Crap. New goal.
Hm… Damaged Polynesian ships showing up on Egyptian shores. Likely hiding out because they’re the only ones I’ve opened my borders to, and whoever is pursuing them can’t enter my space without declaring war. I’m cool with giving the Polynesians refuge, but who are they hiding from?
Alright, I’m declaring war on Koala Lumpur. If I get it, it’ll be my last land grab. I would have preferred that Greece didn’t see this, but he’s not protecting them, so whatever.
I founded the World Congress! Now I get to propose a resolution. Looks like we’ve got some artsy Civs. 4 Civs would be grateful if I proposed Arts funding, and 4 would be mad if I proposed sciences funding.
I went for Cultural Heritage Sites, which benefits those who’ve built World Wonders, and Egypt’s talent is building World Wonders fast. Queen Elizabeth of England proposed Arts Funding. Both are an advantage to me, and both got approved.
I get to propose something but nothing looks appealing. I’ll go with Natural Heritage Sites, meaning that natural Wonders receive more Culture. I’ve got some of those.
Just made it to the Industrial Era by discovering Archaeology. Think I’m the first one to make it here. I think my next goal will be to discover railroads in the Modern Era.
Ahmad Al-Mansur of Morocco just expressed his displeasure that me and Germany are friends.
Now Kamehameha of Polynesia is asking for gold in return for nothing. He’s appealing to our friendship. I suppose I can help him out.
My people are suddenly negative 6 happiness and I don’t know why. I’ll retire my scouts so they’ll stop draining resources and since they no long have a purpose after discovering the world.
City States have been approved to vote on the World Congress. Alexander has the most voting power and Kamehameha comes second. I can’t compete. I think I’ll put my votes toward supporting Kamehameha, just because he’s less intimidating
I get the choice to choose a social tenant. I’ve usually found success with “Freedom”, but because of Egypt's playstyle, I’m choosing “Order”
Polynesia settled a city on the Southern coast of the continent I'm on. I’m furious. I wanted this whole continent to myself. I really don't want to go to war with my oldest ally, but it’s exactly where I’d put a city if I were to add another to my empire.
Now they built another on a nearby island. I'm beginning to feel surrounded. Maybe I should have been more proactive about warning them not to settle near me.
I can now see oil and coal and I don't have any of either. This is going to make it difficult for my military to keep up. I traded Greece some silver for coal.
Germany is the only Civ where my cultural influence isn’t increasing.
Ethiopia has declared war on England. So I’m not the first to declare war on another major Civ. Proud of myself choking back the urge to invade Polynesia for settling land all around me.
I made allies with four nearby city states: Sidon, Riga, Almaty, and Kyzyl. This should get me a bit more voting power in the World Congress. You get in the good graces of City States by giving them money. If you give them a certain amount, they'll let you move through their territory. If you give them more than any other Civ, they become your ally, vote for you at World Congress and side with you in times of war. This is a big reason why "Diplomatic Victories" are really "Financial Victories".
I lost a few allies the turn before the World Congress. Frustrating.
Greece wants to make Buddhism the World Religion. Polynesia wants to ban salt. Greece has stronger voting power than anyone in the world, but not strong enough to dominate if enough people vote against them. I put all my delegates to vote against establishing a world religion.
Buddhism was rejected for world religion and Alexander has let me know that he blames me.
I just realized that I haven’t been using my Faith Points to make Religious Purchases. Time to bank in on a ton of Great Artists.
Bismarck went all the way from being guarded against me to wanting to make a Declaration of Friendship. Now I’m friends with Germany, Polynesia and Morocco. Instead of assaulting Polynesia, maybe it’s best to set up an alliance against Greece.
I invented the Eiffel Tower and Broadway. Very cool because only one Civ in the world can have these.
I’m building hotels and broadcast towers in all of my cities. Good buildings for tourism.
Greece has the most delegates again, with Polynesia running up. I have third most. I’ll put my delegates toward keeping Polynesia in power.
We succeeded.
Gustav Adolphus concedes that Egypt has culturally dominated Sweden. He says that they're all listening to our pop music and wearing our blue jeans. It's just what people say when they've been culturally dominated. If I can do this to the other 6 Civs, I win.
Polynesia has just settled another city on another island off my coast. They have me surrounded at four points. I don't like this.
I’m going to denounce Greece. They’re the most resistant to my cultural influence (Germany's come around) and I don’t think I can keep them from becoming head of the World Congress for another session. If I build a bad relationship now, I’ll not startle the other Civs if I have to go to war with them later down the road. This would prevent me from sending musicians to their land, but since they’re already guarded, I don’t think this will impact things later down the road
After my denouncement, Germany, Polynesia, Morocco, and England decided to join me in denouncing Greece. I feel supported.
Polynesia wants to make Freedom the new World Ideolology. As I have “Order”, I have to vote against it. I hope this doesn’t drive a wedge between us.
Freedom failed to be passed, but sugar got banned.
I have culturally dominated Polynesia.
Since my denouncement of Greece went so well I'm going to look for support from the other Civs in going to war with them.
Ethiopia has agreed to go to war and Polynesia and Germany have agreed to do it in 10 turns. England, Morocco, and Sweden all say no. Ethiopia wants to make a Declaration of Friendship with us. Prospects of war against Greece must have endeared them to us.
I've made it to the Atomic Era.
In the World Congress, Ban Salt passed and Embargo Greece failed.
I have culturally dominated Ethiopia.
I’m aiming for the Internet as my next tech goal, which will double my tourism output.
Now that I'm at war with Greece, all their allied City States have turned against me. The plus side to this is that I don't receive as much of a warlord penalty for conquering them. Because of this, I have just invaded Cape Town and turned it into a Puppet State.
I also took Knossos, a Greek city built on an island near Cape Town, just North of Hanoi and Koala Lampur.
Ethiopia is attacking Greece. First Civ other than me to take initiative in the war.
Greece’s culture is still really strong. If the Internet doesn’t do it, I might have to consider annexing my puppet states to build more cultural buildings.
I’m in the negatives for oil.
Germany wants me to go to war with England but I don’t want to.
Most of my navy is out by Knossos and Cape Town since they’re island nations and I have an airforce to protect the coast of my mainland.
Got a diplomat in London. So now I’ve got diplomats there as well as Honolulu, Marrakech, and Berlin.
In the top ten ranking for cities with the most tourism, my cities cover the top three. Also got the fifth. London is awkwardly inbetweern Heliopolis and Memphis.
Ethiopia and Polynesia appealed to end their war with Greece. I’m not done with them yet.
Polynesia wants me to support them in going to war with England. It seems like the world would rather turn against England than Greece. Not me. Greece is building steadily toward a Diplomatic Victory whereas I can't see a way that England could pull off a win, unless they've secretly been producing nukes and are going for a Conquerer's Victory. I don't think they are, though.
Alexander wants to end the war. He’s not offering anything though. Forget it. I can take two more of his City States before I’ll consider it. Riga and Almaty are within my reach and are allied with him.If I can take them while at war with him, I can reduce his voting power, increase my own, and not suffer as much of a warlord penalty.
Polynesia’s positioning its’ military in an intimidating way. Kamehameha says that my military’s positioning is worrisome and advises I pull out for the sake of future peace. Fair enough. I’ve had all my siege units sitting at the border of Aotearoa in case we ever beef it out. Our Civs’ relationship and open borders agreement is imperative to my navy, so I will comply.
England just denounced me for some reason. We’ve got trade agreements and I’ve refused to go to war with her despite global pressure. I guess she just doesn’t like that I’m friends with so many of her enemies.
Actually, England just succumbed to my cultural influence. Maybe that was the reason for the denouncement. Just need Germany and Greece to succumb now.
I’ve built all the buildings I can in Thebes and don’t need any units. I guess I’ll commit it to science research.
I made it to the Information Era, the final era of the game.
I just took Riga and turned it into a puppet state.
The World Congress has become the United Nations, making a Diplomatic Victory possible, which is what Greece is going for. My going into the Information Era is what made this happen, but it’s unfortunate timing because we’re having a meeting next turn and this works in Greece’s favour. I’m glad I took Riga last turn, it’ll take away some of Greece’s influence.
but it’s unfortunate timing because we’re having a meeting next turn and this works in Greece’s favour. I’m glad I took Riga last turn, it’ll take away some of Greece’s influence.
Greece has 24 delegates, followed by Polynesia with 8, then me with 6. Stark contrast here. As per tradition, I funnel all my support into Polynesia.
Predictably, Greece became host of the UN.
I got enough oil from invading Riga that I got to upgrade my entire airforce.
My economy’s gone down the toilet. Probably from invading Riga. They do have uranium though. The first uranium I’ve encountered. I have to build a mine for it though.
It just became 2022. I’m a year in the future now.
Crap. Greece wants to embargo me, which is bad. Polynesia wants to make Islam the World Religion, which would be good for me. I can either put my voting power toward resisting the embargo, or I could put it toward supporting Islam. I split the difference and put 3 votes against the embargo, and 3 toward Islam.
Embargo Egypt passed. World Religion Islam didn’t. Worst possible result for me. Despite 4 Civs voting in my favour and 2 against, I still got the embargo.
The International Games have been completed. I was the only Civ not to participate. Didn’t seem worth it. Polynesia won.
I just took Almaty as a Puppet State. That means my territory includes 10 cities. I think that’s the most of any Civ, with Polynesia coming in second with 9. I think this is as much as I can do, without getting too close to enemy territory, unless Greece allies with Sidon (the final remaining autonomous City State in mine and Polynesia’s territory, now under protection of Polynesia).
In my kingdom, I have four cities, one captured city from another Civ (Knossos, formerly of Greece) and five former City States. Right now, Almaty is bordered by the German city, Cologne, which is fine as they are an ally of mine.
I’m retiring some military units that were invented before the use of gunpowder. I think I’ll slowly replace them with more modern soldiers.
This is as much as I can beat up Greece, so I’m going to negotiate peace and try to demand a bunch of stuff from them while I’m at it.
I told him to give me money and coal and he did it! I didn’t offer anything on my end except for a mutual peace between us and our allied City States for 10 turns.
Huh. Polynesia told me off for being an “uncivilized brute”. Right after making peace with Greece. Weird. Must have been conquering Almaty.
I’m proud of myself. I’ve gone to war with Greece and conquered 6 cities, and 5 of the other 7 Civs are still friendly with me.
Greece is denouncing me. What’s the point? Can’t go to war when we’ve signed a peace treaty.
I discovered the Internet!
Well, it appears I didn’t win the game. I guess I’ll start annexing puppet states and building more cultural buildings.
I’ve culturally dominated Germany. Only Greece left.
We just had the World Congress and no World Leader was chosen. You need 37 delegates and Greece only has 24. If Greece can get 13 more delegates before I culturally dominate him, he wins.
Just annexed Koala Lumpur. Thought I’d start there because it’s been in my empire for so long and it’s by the coast so I can build naval units.
I just completed every social tenant, plus 4 social policies: Liberty, Piety, Rationalism, Aesthetics. Took on the Exploration Social Policy. Not too relevant now.
A Great Musician was born. If I can convince Alexander to open his borders, I could perform a concert tour. Too bad our relationship is shot
Just annexed Hannoi. Let’s do it, full control over the mainland!
Buddhism became the World Religion. That's Greece's religion. Not good for me.
Started the Apollo Program. First step toward a Science Victory. Don’t really think I have time for it, but maybe it’s worth having a backup plan.
Alexander won’t open his borders no matter how much I offer to him. Smart of him.
No World Leader chosen again. I probably have 20 turns to win this.
England lost its capital! Greece took London. England has been conquered and has fallen out of the competition.
Greece took Sidon as an ally. Now if I go to war with Greece, Sidon will become my enemy and I can conquer them without suffering a warlord penalty. Also, I’d be able to send my musician onto Greek territory and perform a concert tour.
Alright, I’ve declared war by having my musician walk across their border.
I just took Sidon and turned it into a Puppet State.
Now that I’ve done my concert tour and took his allied City State, I tried to demand a bunch of his stuff for peace but he flatly declined.
Weirdly, he wants to negotiate peace shortly after I offered and he declined.
He just sold me Sparta for peace. I didn’t even ask for it. It’s on the opposite side of the map, I don’t think I can defend it. If someone tries to take it, I’ll just sell it to Morocco or Ethiopia.
I found an Antiquity Site that still needs to be excavated. I’m sending some people over, but Kamehameha is getting nervous and warned me not to move so many military units by his territory.
Researching Nuclear Fission. I’ve never nuked anyone in a game, but I’m getting really tempted to drop one on Greece’s capital. It would make the whole world turn against me though.
Even though England lost their capital, they still have functioning cities and they chose to found a city on the southern side of my mainland where there was still some land I hadn’t settled. I’d just made a Settler to found one right around there. Might as well take it from here. She built it right where I put all my siege weapons after Kamehameha complained. I’ll have my Settler found a city nearby where there’s some unmined oil.
Just founded Alexandria. Between that and Hastings, the new English city which I’m gonna conquer, I’ll own what’s left of this continent.
I’m denouncing England in preparation for war so that I can take Hastings. England’s unpopular anyway.
Ethiopia and Polynesia are happy that I denounced her.
Got a musician! Between this and the antiquity site, maybe I can still win this.
Just took Hastings.
Kamehameha has denounced us! That’s pretty disturbing. My closest neighbour and ally!
Oh… doesn’t matter though, because…
I WON!
I culturally dominated Greece! I didn’t need the musician or antiquity site after all.
