The drums of war are sounding, but first, there’s a little more to be done.

By Brant Guillory, GrogDude

Click images to enlarge

Last session we promised to help the Portuguese give the Zulus the smackdown they so richly deserve.  However, before we do that, there’s intrigue afoot.

Lay of the Land
I’ve got a garrisoned citadel right there where it’s going to really suck for the Zukes if they come after Bloemfonten.  But they’ve got a lot of firespearpower around Umgungundlovulongtime that I’ll have to contend with.

Friends Everywhere!
The Belgians have now cut a Declaration of Friendship with the Portuguese, and pretty much no one likes the Zulus.  Maybe they should switch deodorant and see if that helps.  Probably not, eh?

What’s the Difference Between “Culture” and “Agriculture”
If you’re the Boers – there isn’t one!  I’m building every farm I can, and eyeing those potential vineyards just east of Swakopmund.

Farming!
Like this guy – build every farm you can, because it’s not just food, it’s culture.  And that’s how you win as the Boers.

Again, Teasing Me With the Rail Lines
Though it is useful to know who’s scoring the points.

There’s Another English City
It’s not that I need a road to them, or even really plan to attack.  But if I don’t clear the map-fog from the foreign cities, I can never launch my caravans in their directions.

Meanderizing
The Foreign Volunteer I sent a-wandering earlier has encountered a sizable force of Belgians.  Officially, they’re the Belgian unique unit known as the “Public Force.”  I think those icons are supposed to be fezs but they look like very stiff shirts at an oblique angle to me.

Open Borders?
Sure!

My Next Policy
And I’m totally going military here, since I’ve got a war coming up in a few turns.

Golden Age!  w00t w00t!
That’s right, bitches!  My peeps is gots a happy on!

A City State?  Why yes, there is a city state or 4 out there
Sokoto is the first one I’ve found, but there are actually a handful out there.

Production Changes
I’m going to get the Rifled Cannon into production in Bloemfonten.

Liz wants to re-open the border
I’m not so sure anymore.

I’m happy to do it for a fee, though.
We end up settling on 1G per turn, and I’m getting a little coin for my troubles.

So Now the Belgians Want to Hug Up on Me, Too
I guess.  Anything to strengthen the ring around the Zulus.

And a “Boom” Goes the Cannon
Rifled Cannon?  Check.  Now I just need a target or two.

Friends Everywhere!
Hey look, when you can get the Germans, Portuguese, and Belgians cheesing up to you, take it!

And Selling The Wine
The Belgians want some of what I got.  We can make a deal here.

The Time Has Come…
…to open up this can o’ whup-on-yo-ass.

And the fighting begins with…
… the next episode.  See you in a few weeks!

Discuss this AAR in our forums >>