Sea Bandits

Settings

Joao II
Portuguese Empire

Difficulty: Monarch
Speed: Marathon

Custom_Continents: Random
Cylindrical
Standard World Size
Tropical Climate
Medium Sea Level
Ancient Starting Era

Aggressive AI
Permanent Alliances
No Random Events

Six Rival Civilizations


Beyond the Sword 3.19
BUG Mod 4.5 [Build 2221]
BULL 1.4 [Build 243]
BAT Mod 4.1


A Brief Strategic Huddle

Let's briefly go over Joal II and Portugal.

• Expansive
• +2 Health
• Cheaper Workers, Granaries, and Harbors
• Imperialistic
• Faster Settlers and Great Generals
• Feitoria
• Custom House Replacement
  • Requires Harbor
    • So, good thing those are cheaper
• 100% Foreign Trade
  • Per standard Customs House
• +1 Commerce per Water Tile
• Carrack
• Caravel Replacement
• Carries ANY Two Units

For me, the Carrack is the most important item. It eliminates the need for Astronomy and one's initial Ocean Circuit can be one of Settlement and Development.

Prior to that, I intend to smash some heads... assuming I get a better map roll than last time.

I did not play well. Before Turn 300, I threw in the towel.

Winning is about breaking out of the Standard Game Narrative. And I was unable to do that in this game.

• One City Challenge is my friend.
• No, I will not have only one City.
• But having only one City at the beginning breaks the mold.
• Religions are my friend.
• I need some edge.
• Religions come early.
• Religions come often.
• Ditto for Wonders.
• I could have killed Roosevelt.
• But this would have been to no end.
• I did not need his Cities.
• Down the line, he was going to become a wonderful ally.

I am tempted to replay this map as the Incans. But that would be tight fitting (my strategy to this map), as I know in advance that I have a benign neighbour. Though, I would really like a benign neighbour. On the other hand, Roosevelt was going to compete with me for all the Wonders. We were too tightly matched. Whatever the case, I lost heart and it is time to start over.