1500ad: Big Ben started - No plans as yet for where the giant bell will go when it is finished
1535ad: Navigation discovered - People suddenly start arriving at their destination
The war starts badly for Ramkhamhaeng, his empire is quickly beset by Genghis Khan who happens to have a strong military force at the boarders of Siam. Anyone would think I had planned it that way. Now if I sound smug, that's because I was. I'm was really chuffed at how well things were going. I'm not really that good at Civ 5 as I don't have the time to really get used to the deepest nuances of the game's systems. But I'm managing to achieve my military goals through diplomacy! That made me feel smug!
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| This doesn't look great for Siam, and you can't even see the rest of the army out of shot! |
Khan instantly floods his forces over the boarder and Ramkhamhaeng just can not face up to the initial onslaught. His defending forces are decimated quickly and Khan heads straight for the first point of strategic importance, the city of Sukholhai - the capital. It is under heavy siege in just a few turns. My swordsman - Dave - was positioned within Khan's boarders (we have an open boarders agreement as we are such good friends!) and from there he could observe the subsequent carnage. My self satisfaction didn't last long when a funny feeling came over me as I watched Siamese armed forces defeated one by one. I felt regret. I may not have been the person who swung the sword but I shared the responsibility. Not once, while playing Civ, have I ever felt bad about my actions. This was a first. I seem to be more invested in my little empire than normal. As I have said before my lack of military leaves me feeling very vulnerable and my response to this has been to lash out, with subtle diplomacy, at the other empires. I hold a thin veneer of power, but I am desperate to keep that power, if my deception fails I will quickly fall. My motivation was driven by desperation, its strikes me how easily I dropped my peaceful intentions and descended into ruthlessness.
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| Ohhhh so now you want to be friends! |
I receive an envoy from Siam at this point, now they are on their knees they need a few friends. Normally I would laugh manically and dismiss them out of hand but because of a new found conscious I accept their offer of open boarders and even gift them a little gold as compensation (I hope that while they are inevitably screwed they may put up some fight and slightly weaken Khan in the process).
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| Must... avoid... innuendo... |
Despite my feelings, my diplomacy is still paying dividends and the wars are proving useful. It turns out that I am supporting the economy of every Empire other than Persia*. They are only making money each turn because I am paying them to go to war. The constant trade makes each leader treasure our friendship. I really am the puppet master. Now its time to win!
'Sir, we have received a message.' The aid said as he entered the throne room.
'Let's see it...' The aid handed Gandhi the sealed letter. He breaks the seal, lazily flicks it open and slouches against his throne. His eyes scan the words slowly. 'He wants WHAT!?' he suddenly shouts throwing the letter to the floor and jumping to his feet. 'Aid,' he spits savagely... 'Find me my wallet...'
Then, out of the blue, Bismark makes a demand! He wants twelve more gold per turn. The cheek! I am the only reason his has any gold to spend, how dare he demand more! I agree quickly, after all, he's stronger than me... okay now it's really time to win!
*I did note during the war for Siam, Persia played no role at all. I vow to punish such blatant disregard for my needs.
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