Arcoscephale Golden Era AAR

[Blitz]

AAR's seem to be popular, and I've always enjoyed writing them for various games, so I've decided to try my hand at one. I've been playing golden era a lot as I'm tinkering with a mod, so I'll use them. Since I would like a shorter game, I'll play on the Ormus map. It's only 54 provinces, with 11 of them being sea provinces. The mapmaker suggests playing with 2-4 nations, but I've invited both water nations as well as C'tis, Ulm, Man, and Plythium. Should make for some fast action!

My pretender god of choice these days is the Virtue. She's cheap and is great against independants... plus with the right equipment she'll be a good weapon later in the game. I'll start her off with 3 Air and 3 Earth... plus a healthy 7 dominion. I'll take a castle, 3 points of order, 3 points of magic, and the 1 point of forced sloth under golden era. I'm using my arco mod, which gives wind riders +1 awe and slightly boosts the myrmidons... so I'm going to try and pair construction summons in the front lines with chariots and wind riders attacking the rear. Hope you enjoy the read.

[Blitz]

Turn One
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I start off on a small two-province island in the middle of the map. Luckily it's connected to the mainland through a magic bridge =). Syren, my pretender god, is joined by Mesthies the mounted commander and Nanvather the scout. I send Nanvather off to explore the small island of White Oak to the north. Syren heads to the laboratory and begins studying the secrets of alteration.

I purchace a Wind Lord for 175 gold, and queue up two myrmidons for the main army. Myrmidons are slow to build, but I'll be spending the bulk of my coin on wind riders and mages anyway. My military advisors believe that chariots are best used in large numbers, and I concur. For now, our garrison of 12 Cardaces and PeLasts will have to do.

[Blitz]

Turn Two
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Klepohon the Wind Lord answers my call to duty, and as the finest warrior in the nation's military, I give him the honor of being my prophet. My blessings will further enhance his battle prowness, making him a key component of my early march towards divinity. As he will be doing mostly fighting and not much preaching, I set about training a priestess to handle the more mundane duties of a cleric. I indicate to the military that I wish them to continue training myrmidons as quickly as possible... but sadly my smiths are lazy, and they can only work so quickly. I'm told that only two will be ready when the army marches.

Nanvather brings troubling news. The Island of White Oak is populated by a huge number of barbarians! He estimates there are at least fifty of them crammed onto that tiny island. I curse my bad fortune, as that island is my only link to the mainland. An arial assault is possible, but won't be easy for some time. I inform Nanvather to continue onto the mainland, hoping for better news in the future.

My sages also bring poor tidings. The capitol of the aquatic Ry'Leh nation lies just to our west. While not known for their abilities out of the water, I know they can be fierce opponents nontheless. I remind myself to aquire a ring of poison protection for both Lord Klepohon and Syren at the earliest possible time. There is better news to the east. Salt Plain holds no more than 30 militias and light infantry. In addition, it is said to be worth at least 31 gold per turn to the imperial coffers. I indicate to Klepohon to be ready to invade as early as next month.

[Blitz]

Turn Three
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Syren has completed her research in alteration, and informs me that she can now cast air shield. While not the best of protections, they will ward off any errant javelins from our peLasts. This is good, as the plan to invade salt plain will be carried out this month.

The entire Arcoscephale military, including our new priestess Andromache will carry out the invasion of Salt Plain. I inform Lord Klepohon to wait until Syren has cast her spells before attacking the commanders in the rear. The national smiths have only managed to equip two myrmidons. I will assign one to Lady Andromache and mix the other with the front line Cardaces of the imperial military. Hopefully their battle skills will inspire the under-equipped peLasts and cardaces on the front lines. With the battle plans set, I turn my attention back to the recon reports.

Nanvather brings better news from the mainland. Many of the same tribe of barbarians from the Island of White Oak inhabit the mainland, but in far fewer numbers. He estimates that only twenty warriors reside here. The beginnings of a plan form, as I have no doubt that Syren and Lord Klepohon can rout the small barbarian forces. Unfortunately I know that sending them aff alone has huge risks, but it's an option, one I am glad to have. I send Nanvather west to Florien, with the intentions of having him explore the larger island to the west of it. I do not know who resides there, but I will not stand for having the western flank so open.

I set about training one of our mystics for duty, and indicate to continue the slow production of bronze armors for our myrmidons. As our numbers of skilled warriors far outstrapped our production of armors, I indicate that one of the new myrmidons should be allowed the honor of a pegasus steed, a Wind Rider, the pride of the military. Something must be done about our mation's blacksmiths!

[ June 20, 2004, 03:27: Message edited by: Blitz ]

[Scott Hebert]

If I may, I have a question regarding your overall strategy.

Why did you not take a Bless effect for your Wind Riders? I would think that if you plan on using Sacred units that expensive, some investment to make them worth their Sacred status would be wise, wouldn't it?

I guess I'm confused.

[Blitz]

Turn Four

The entire might of the imperial army is unleashed on the unsuspecting garrison of Salt Plain with pleasing results. As the first line of Cardaces crashed into the poorly-trained militias of Salt Plain, our peLasts simultaniously unleashed their first volley of javelins. Fourteen of them fell in one wave, and their better armed spearmen and footmen turned and fled! Syren and Klepohon wiped out four of their commanders in the first wave, and blocked the passage of many of the routing army. Sadly, even in a battle this one-sided we managed to lose two men. I knew the ranks of peLasts and cardaces would not stand up to the perils that lay ahead. These men were already dead. Fortunately they did not know it, and were celebrating a great victory for the people of Arcoscephale on this day.

Back in the capitol, I noted with pleasure that our new mystic had brought with him a gift of fire gems he had found on his way to the capitol. Anthros was a skilled water mage, with some talents in the realm of earth. His skills may be needed sooner rather than later, however. I noted with displeasure that in addition to the accursed Ry'leh forces, we had an infestation of Atlantian spearmen off our eastern shores. Where could they have come from? The only explanation for their presence is that they had crossed the small ithmus to the east. This was troubling, as if the atlantians were to be so bold, they may just feel corageous enough to try and invade further onto the mainland. Not much to be done about it now, however. I imagine they have enough to worry about being so close to the Ry'leh capitol. They are no friends of ours, but they cannot hate us as much as they do the Atlantians could they? Surely not.

Nanvather brings good and bad news together. On the western shores of the mainland, he has located a nation of skilled horsemen. Long have I indicated to our generals that some heavy cavalry akin to those found in the armies of the other nations of man could enhance our armies greatly. They stubbornly stand by the chariot, but I hope to replace them with a more modern cavalry. But we have no time for that now, as the time has come for a decision regarding the barbarians in the Isle of White Oak. Any invasion would doubtlessly be costly, and there was even a chance of defeat. Anthros would in time be able to turn the tide in our favor, but for now he was not yet skilled enough. My instincts tell me that an arial invasion of the mainland with merely Syren and Klepohon would not be prudent at this time. While I have faith in their battle prowness, such boldness could easily backfire and end my campaign early.

While pondering the matter, I turn my attention to the realm of magics. While Anthros was indeed a skilled water mage, I knew he would need more help in finding sites of magical power. I recruit a second mystic, while continuing to admonish our nation's smiths to work more quickly. I note with pleasure that the conquest of Salt Plains has increased the flow of resources to the capitol. That sealed my decision. I would invade the tiny Island of White Oak, regardless of the cost. I inform my generals that again, the entire military might of Arcoscephale would be summoned and their combined wrath brought down on those fifty barbarian warriors. The price would be high, but in times of war men must do what they must do.

[Blitz]

Turn Five
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I should not have doubted the skills of the warriors of Arcoscephale. The battle was fierce, but the results were far better than I could have hoped for. Just as huge horde of barbarians slammed into the front lines of our Cardaces, our goddess Syren swept down from the stars to snatch victory on this day! With the hero Klepohon by her side, the ragged warriors of the barbarian horde were slaughtered one by one. but the tide was turned as one of our precious myrmidons, locked in hand to hand combat with the Last remaining barbarian chief, drove his sword into his side and ended the battle.
Perhaps I was too hasty to judge our smiths... the strong bronze armor of the myrmidon protected him from the heavy blows of the berserker. They never had a chance. Unfortunately we lost eight men, but I was prepared to lose many more. Our cardaces know their role, but even strong men cannot stand to see so many of their comrades fall in battle. With seven of our ten killed, the remaining three fled back into Salt Plain. Mesthies the mounted commander has been sent back to round up the men and administer discipline.

Back in the capitol, I overheard one of the nobles question my tactics. Rather than have him beheaded, I carefully explained that our national economy was far more important than enhancing a handful of mere soldiers... even if they were the pride of the military! How could we afford to pay the extravagant costs of equipping these men if we do not have the gold to do so? He started to mention something about our research abilities being strong enough without the blessings of our god, but I cut him off there. A king is a busy man and there is only so much time for such nonsense. Little did he know that magic would play a far greater role than he knew. The greatest scholars in the world would flock to the capitol for a chance to study in the finest facilities in the world.

To my annoyance, the mystic I summoned to the capitol was also an earth/water mage... this one more skilled in earth, but far too similar for my liking. I put him to work in the library and requested yet another mystic be brought before me. Noting that the national treasury had been strained by the training of both a wind rider and mystic, I decreed that for now, we would only train myrmidons until the coffers were more plentiful.

I was absolutely ourraged that Nanvather had remained in Florien since his Last report regarding the heavy cavalry! I could have sworn I had told him to continue his exploration of the large island to the west. Fools. Must I instruct their every move? Well the army at least would listen to my words. They were to continue on to the mainland, and crush the rest of the barbarians. We needed a foothold, and I wanted those cavalry. With Mesthies rounding up deserters, I removed the personal guards of Lady Andromache and the mystic Anthros. They were needed more on the front lines. Only three myrmidons to fight alongside 12 peLasts. Hopefully Klepohon and his wind rider comrade could carry the day, else all would fall on the shoulders of Syren.

Anthros really had not contributed much in the Last battle... to be honest I only brought him to ensure that the myrmidon and wind rider from the capitol were with the army for their first big test. Lucky I did as well, as the myrmidon who struck the final blow was indeed the new man. I instructed Anthros to search the small island for magic, as the army progressed north to the mainland and more conquest.

[Blitz]

Turn Six
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Again the army returned from battle in triumph. Even without the cardaces, the peLasts proved enough, as we emerged victorious with only one casualty. There was a moment of doubt, at least for one man. Our precious wind rider recieved a terrible chest wound, one that brought him painfully close to the grave. One moment he was there, the next he was gone. Luckily he managed to flee before death took him, and was reported to be safely back on the Island of White Oak. While there were no priestesses in the area to tend to his wounds they would wait... death does not.

Mesthies had managed to round up the two cardaces and began the trek back to the main army. He wouldn't be available for some time, and with our ranks looking thin, I decided it was time for the men to rest some. Checking the medical reports, I was pleased to note that none of the men had picked up any injuries, save for a leg wound on one of the myrmidons. With Lady Andromache free, I had her search for holy and nature sites. Syren would cover Earth and Air. Lord Klepohon would return to the capitol and gather the men there.

Back in the capitol, I was again annoyed to find yet another earth mage in the library. Was I in Arcoscephale or Ulm for the love of god? Luckily this one was a very skilled fire mage as well, giving me mages in all elements save air. Although he could be of use to me in the countryside, I again put him to work researching alteration. Soon we would know the secrets of the second tier. Now the question of how to deal with the cavalry. The impreial treasury contained a mere 244 gold coins, and we would need troops for the coming battle with the cavalry of Florien. I could train more wind riders, but then how would I manage the cost of a fortress? I could save some money and hire icarids, but would they even make a difference? The army had no troops to soften the cavalry charge, and there would be no reinforcements for some time. I did not want to leave Syren and the imperial army rotting away in Avoca uselessly. I finally decided to have Lord Klepohon stop on the Isle of White Oak and find our missing wind rider. He would be needed soon, his wounds could wait. Mesthies was ordered back to the capitol to gather the men from there. The mystic Anthros had found nothing, and was told to rejoin the main army at the soonest possible moment.

With sights focused on a castle in Florien, I opted to save some coin and train a mystic... and of course as many myrmidons as I could. With 140 gold left in the coffers and the fire gems in the lab, I knew a castle could be afforded soon... and I wanted those cavalry!

[Blitz]

Turn Seven
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Does Mesthies ever bring good news? Not on this day, as he brings word of a great battle between ulm and the people of Dun Vale. Ulm and their mercenary hires crushed the resistance, and according to Mesthies also control the lands to the west and south. Troubling news indeed, as I instruct Mesthies to investigate the situation further. Likewise, my sages bring word of a sizable Pythium army directly to the north of syren and her men. The plans to take Florien would have to wait. This infestation must be dealt with immediately.

But with what army? Lord Klepohon and his wind rider could be brought to bear, along with 3 myrmidons and 8 peLasts. Would that, along with Syren, Lady Andromache the priestess, and Anthros the Mystic be enough? Mesthies and the reinforcements were still two provinces away. It would have to be. The land Pythium held was known as Recenna, and it was a rich one indeed. The impreial army had wasted enough time searching for magic sites. A whole month had netted only a Canyon of Wild winds, and while I was thankful for the gems, there were better uses of a god's time. We would take Recenna, and build our foothold there. It wouldn't be the military instalation that the cavalry might have provided, but there was no way I was going to let Pythium sit on that land for much longer.

Again looking to save money, only a philosopher and a few myrmidons would join the armies this month. I calculated that indeed we could build a fortress on that land... if we could win the battle. Mesthies, his 7 myrmidons, and 3 cardaces were 2 months out, and this battle might be costly.

[ June 20, 2004, 05:01: Message edited by: Blitz ]

[Blitz]

Turn Eight
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Late fall would be remembered as a dark month for Arcoscephale. Just as the armies of rightousness were about to attack north into Recenna, they were the victims of a sneak attack from the same army they sought to overcome. All three myrmidons and all but one of the peLasts were overcome by the Pythium armies, and they were forced to retreat to the Isle of White Oak. There was some good news, as Syren and Lady Andromache are both safe... but the same cannot be said for Anthros.

Even worse news came from Recenna, as Lord Klepohon, unaware of the vicious sneak attack, continued with the plan to attack. While he escaped, word came from Avocca that he had been murdered attempting to return to our base there. On the Isle of White Oak, only Syren and Lady Andromache, aside seven myrmidons and 3 light infantry remain of the once great Arcoscephale army.

The only good news comes from the university, where word comes that both quickness and stoneskin have been added to Syren's repitoire of spells. This will be useful, as I have decided that our nest battle will be hers and hers alone. Mesthies will return to the capitol, leaving Lady Andromache with the remains of the army. Perhaps she can find some sources of magic on that desolate rock. It will be Syren who will exact our revenge on the armies of Pythium.

A replacement for Lord Klepohon will be summoned to the capitol. This warrior I will not waste so incautiously.

[ June 20, 2004, 05:02: Message edited by: Blitz ]