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[Let's Play Democracy]Total War: Rome II - The confederacy expands. Join our Council!

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  • FleebFleeb has all of the fleeb juice Registered User regular
    Mr Ray wrote: »

    Monopolize! Come on people, I thought we were focusing on the economy? All we gained by sacrificing to the gods was a public order bonus, which is more-or-less useless since public order isn't something we were having issues with! Money money money! If we wish to appease the gods we can do so by crushing our foes in battle.

    Meh, I don't care too much about min/maxing this sort of thing. Any bonuses are pretty trifling in the long run. I figure it's mostly there for flavor and some light RP.

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  • Mr RayMr Ray Sarcasm sphereRegistered User regular
    Fleeb wrote: »
    Mr Ray wrote: »

    Monopolize! Come on people, I thought we were focusing on the economy? All we gained by sacrificing to the gods was a public order bonus, which is more-or-less useless since public order isn't something we were having issues with! Money money money! If we wish to appease the gods we can do so by crushing our foes in battle.

    Meh, I don't care too much about min/maxing this sort of thing. Any bonuses are pretty trifling in the long run. I figure it's mostly there for flavor and some light RP.

    Its quite possible to RP and win at the same time. I just don't want us to get stuck with a negative income and unable to do anything further down the line, because I've been there in other TW games and its frustrating as hell.

  • FaranguFarangu I am a beardy man With a beardy planRegistered User regular
    Update #3: A long, grinding, resolution
    Much of this update consisted of passing time until our troops recuperated.

    gney.jpg

    Also, several times, Retaba attempted to interfere and poison the Volcae. He was discovered and wounded every time. Points for effort, Retaba!

    The most interesting development was this:

    jaeu.jpg

    Nerf's successor, JusticeForPluto, was not of our actual family, merely our clan. This brings the left hand side of our faction sheet into a better focus:

    lawj.jpg

    Our faction is the Elder Chiefs. We currently have the support of 60% of the Tribal Council, while the other chiefs have 40%. The number was higher in our favor, but Nerf, who was of our faction, died, and his replacement was of the other chiefs. If we get too powerful, or let the other chiefs get too powerful, civil war could emerge as a result. It is not pleasant. Also, any of the options for dealing with overly ambitious chiefs(assassination, bribing, spreading rumors) are very expensive, and will cost us support. For now, this is not terrible news, but we might want to check on our status from time to time.

    This, however, is more divisive:

    p2vg.jpg

    They seek to include our only living veteran into their family to boost their appeal to the public. The cost to block this move is quite modest, so we do so. At this point in time, we were also bombarded by the traders from afar. The first result was given, but when we allowed the second to trade freely, his wares brought in an extra 1000 gold in taxes into our coffers. But most surprising, the large army hiding in Volcae territory decides to embark on the sea, leaving very modest forces defending their capital. We immediately seize the opportunity:

    7cmo.jpg

    Frei manages to isolate the smaller army, and it is so overwhelmingly in our favor that I decide to autoresolve it. We lose a paltry number of troops, and Kadoken prepares to attack the settlement.

    And when I was looking at the predicted autoresolve options for that one for a screenshot, I accidentally clicked it. Whoops!

    Only modest losses for us, though, and the remains of the settlement garrison are destroyed.

    52oz.jpg

    Now, after actually examining our objectives, we have to raze a certain number of settlements to claim 2 of our 3 long-term victories, at least 30. And these people have angered me enough to warrant them being our first. We will want to stay here for a turn or two to make sure they don't revolt, but it allows us to build what we want here without paying for repairs and deconstruction. The only remnants of the Volcae now are their fleet, adrift in the Mediterranean, and suffering attrition without a port to return to. We just have to wait for Nature to finish the job, and the Volcae are no more.

    Unfortunately, Tolosa didn't have the port that we need to really begin wide trading. That might be coming up soon, though...

    Military:
    fcex.jpg

    Kadoken is controlling a full cohort, and Frei has 12 units under his command. JusticeForPluto has a small garrison in Bibracte. Unfortunately, our army upkeep is crushing our monthly income. There are two reasons why we wouldn't immediately disband our forces to save money:

    1. I fully expect the remnants of the Volcae to not just give up and drown in the sea, as they are currently just off the coast of Massallia. I expect them to try and retake their land soon, before they lose too many men to attrition.

    2. Tolosa, as predicted by some Council members, is not Celtic, but Hellenic. This difference in culture will upset public order, and with the razing, we have nothing here to keep the alien culture from coming back in, which could help lead to revolts.

    2. This war has made the Vivisci loathe us. We have also discovered one of their allies directly south to our new settlement of Tolosa. I don't expect them to sit still and take this for very long, and both Frei and Kadoken will have to cross borders to return home. War with them will come sooner rather than later.

    How will our military leaders handle this? @Frei @Kadoken @JusticeForPluto

    Finance:
    7w3q.jpg

    We have a small reserve, but money is merely trickling in. Raising taxes will only bring in about an extra 150 gold, but will double public order decay. If we want more money, we will need to reduce troop levels, which is something the military shall debate.

    The other financial concern is that Bibracte just grew enough to house another building, and that Tolosa has two open spots available to build. So, when we get the money, where should we focus construction, and on what?

    Tolosa:
    Cannot afford town hall upgrade
    Artisan's Lodging(80 wealth per turn, increased recruitment options, two turns to build, 1200 cost)
    Enclosed Land(+2 food, 50 wealth per turn, two turns to build, 686 cost)
    Sacred Grove(+2 public order per turn, two turns to build, 600 cost)

    Bibracte:
    Cannot afford town hall upgrade
    Already has upgraded Enclosed Land
    Artisan's Lodging
    Sacred Grove
    Commons(+1 public order per turn, 50 wealth per turn, two turns to build, 784 cost)

    Nemossos upgrades:
    None cheaper than 1800

    Technology:
    In the time since the last update, we've researched the Advanced Saddle(-5% to agent recruitment costs, -2% to army recruitment), Headhunt(+ 50% missile ammunition for troops, - 15% mercenary upkeep costs, -2% to all upkeep costs), and Earthworks(+1 to growth in all regions, -2% to provincial capital construction costs). Here's what's upcoming in each branch:

    War Exercises: Cavalry Tactics(-10% to agent recruitment costs, -3% to all upkeep and recruitment costs), every other available tech is about the Navy
    Warrior Code: First one is Massed Charge(+3% charge bonus for all units), after which we can either do Warrior's Dance(+2% attack and +3% defense for all units) or Crew Training(Naval focused)
    Siege: Battering Ram(-20% attrition losses when beseiging, can construct battering rams pre-siege) or Great Food Vault(-30% fewer attritional losses when under siege, all settlements can hold out an extra turn before losing a siege)

    Tribal Economy: Animal Husbandry(+2% wealth from agriculture in all regions, can build further upgraded buildings in either military or agricultural) or Craft Specialization(+3% wealth from commerce buildings in all regions, +3% tariff from trade agreements, can build further upgraded buildings in either commerce or agricultural)
    Tribal Council: Mint(+2% tax rate, -2% agent action costs, can build a mint) or Sacred Grove(+10% wealth from all cultural buildings, +2 to cultural conversion, -3% political incident occurrence, can build Loremaster's Hut). Note: The technology past the Mint will allow us to recruit Dignitaries.
    Construction: Underfloor Drainage(+3 to growth in all provinces, -1 to provincial capital build times) or Raised Site(+2% wealth to all industrial buildings, can further upgrade town halls)

    Politics:
    Aside from the Vivisci getting quite frostier with us, the other thing of note is the Pictones. Despite us being in a defensive alliance, they lifted not one finger to help us, either with the Aedui or the Volcae, and they had a 20 unit army just sitting in their capital the entire time. We will not forget this.

    So now, we must plan to reunite our lands. The obvious target is the Vivisci - They refuse trade with us, they have an already constructed port, and they already dislike us, as opposed to the Massillia, with whom we can deal with. Should we attack now, while we already have a good army, or rebuild our treasury beforehand?

    @Phyphor @Stilts @firewaterword @NerfThatMan @Fleeb @Capsaicin @Vic @Mr Ray @enlightenedbum

  • FaranguFarangu I am a beardy man With a beardy planRegistered User regular
    The other thing to note is that nearly all agents and some generals have some upgrades to choose from:

    @Retaba: Paragon: +1 authority, +5% chance of critical success in all actions
    Partisan: +1 cunning, +5% chance to evade enemy agents
    Champion: +1 zeal, +6% to movement range

    @rockrngr: Paragon: +1 authority, -10% to action costs, +5% chance of critical success in all actions
    Partisan: +1 cunning, +5% chance to evade enemy agents
    Strength: +1 zeal, +10% chance to accomplish certain sabotage and assassination actions
    Warfare: +1 zeal, +15% casualties with certain sabotage actions

    @Kadoken: Commander: +1 authority
    Strategist: +1 cunning
    Warrior: +1 zeal

    @Frei: Commander: +1 authority
    Strategist: +1 cunning
    Warrior: +1 zeal

  • Mr RayMr Ray Sarcasm sphereRegistered User regular
    edited September 2013

    Military: I suggest we hold off on recruitment for the time being.

    Finance: Enclosed Land in Tolosa, and Artisans lodgings in Bibracte. More food! More baubles! More wine! And fetch my ivory back-scratcher while you're out, there's a good man.

    Technology: War Exercises, or Tribal Economy. Either will bring us more much-needed gold in the long-term.

    Politics: I leave it to the generals to decide whether or not we're ready for war, but I would at least advise waiting a few turns until public order settles in our newly conquered territory. But yes, we should definitely go after the port as our next target.

    Mr Ray on
  • RetabaRetaba A Cultist Registered User regular
    It is my low authority that causes me to fail! Which is weird because in my games even with them being like that I haven't had a wounded spy yet O_o.

    That being said, I would like to pick authority, but seeing as I am being used for scouting so much, I would also accept Zeal! What does zeal do in terms of abilities?

  • KadokenKadoken Giving Ends to my Friends and it Feels Stupendous Registered User regular
    I wish to choose the commander upgrade. My men need to look up to me to be able let me lead them.

    I also believe one last conquest of Vivisci lands should be taken before deciding on focusing on infrastructure. However, I do notice that the city we just captured it still disgruntled. I should stay hear to quell the populace and perhaps Frei could be sent back to the capital in case of any surprise Visci attack. We must replenish our losses. I advise against destroying any of our armies. The only one that would really make a difference on upkeep would most likely be mine, and we can't have a lesser occupying force in this place where blades shine through the knife.

    I vote taking it moderate but steady, and at the right time, me and Frei (With help from Justice for Pluto's forces), and then we focus on infrastructure with our newly taxed citizens and port.

  • FaranguFarangu I am a beardy man With a beardy planRegistered User regular
    Retaba wrote: »
    It is my low authority that causes me to fail! Which is weird because in my games even with them being like that I haven't had a wounded spy yet O_o.

    That being said, I would like to pick authority, but seeing as I am being used for scouting so much, I would also accept Zeal! What does zeal do in terms of abilities?

    Zeal helps more aggressive actions succeed, if I remember rightly.

  • FaranguFarangu I am a beardy man With a beardy planRegistered User regular
    Kadoken wrote: »
    I wish to choose the commander upgrade. My men need to look up to me to be able let me lead them.

    I also believe one last conquest of Vivisci lands should be taken before deciding on focusing on infrastructure. However, I do notice that the city we just captured it still disgruntled. I should stay hear to quell the populace and perhaps Frei could be sent back to the capital in case of any surprise Visci attack. We must replenish our losses. I advise against destroying any of our armies. The only one that would really make a difference on upkeep would most likely be mine, and we can't have a lesser occupying force in this place where blades shine through the knife.

    I vote taking it moderate but steady, and at the right time, me and Frei (With help from Justice for Pluto's forces), and then we focus on infrastructure with our newly taxed citizens and port.

    Tolosa is at -45 public order. At -100, a revolt is guaranteed. As soon as the garrison leaves, public order will go down fast. We will need to have an occupying force there for a few turns, at least. Some troops will be able to be transferred before the assault takes place.

  • FreiFrei A French Prometheus Unbound DeadwoodRegistered User regular
    I recommend letting the rabble grab their pitchforks and revolt - it'll let them get it out of their systems and quell the population for a while. Either of our armies can put down a rebellion before it gets too big.

    As far as my upgrade goes, I want to choose the Strategist line.

    Are you the magic man?
  • FaranguFarangu I am a beardy man With a beardy planRegistered User regular
    Also tomorrow will be hectic, there's a trade show I'm going to, and after that I'll allow myself to indulge in GTA V, so probably no updates til Friday at the earliest

  • FleebFleeb has all of the fleeb juice Registered User regular
    edited September 2013
    If you haven't already, remember that you stop collecting taxes from regions where order is a problem.

    Military I would move our two largest armies to Burdigala and take it ASAP (once things have stabilized in Tolosa).
    Once the fighting is done I would suggest disbanding a few less-experienced units to save on upkeep until finances can be restored.

    Finance I concur with Mr Ray. Enclosed land and artisans lodgings.

    Technology I also concur, War Exercises, or Tribal Economy.

    Politics Ignore the lazy Pictones for now. If they are not a help at least they are not a hindrance. We need to take Burdigala and guard against a counterattack by their allies. If possible once the city is taken we should attempt a peace treaty with them (the allies).

    Fleeb on
  • enlightenedbumenlightenedbum Registered User regular
    What does a mint do for us?

    The idea that your vote is a moral statement about you or who you vote for is some backwards ass libertarian nonsense. Your vote is about society. Vote to protect the vulnerable.
  • KadokenKadoken Giving Ends to my Friends and it Feels Stupendous Registered User regular
    Farangu wrote: »
    Kadoken wrote: »
    I wish to choose the commander upgrade. My men need to look up to me to be able let me lead them.

    I also believe one last conquest of Vivisci lands should be taken before deciding on focusing on infrastructure. However, I do notice that the city we just captured it still disgruntled. I should stay there to quell the populace and perhaps Frei could be sent back to the capital in case of any surprise Visci attack. We must replenish our losses. I advise against destroying any of our armies. The only one that would really make a difference on upkeep would most likely be mine, and we can't have a lesser occupying force in this place where blades shine through the knife.

    I vote taking it moderate but steady, and at the right time, me and Frei (With help from Justice for Pluto's forces), and then we focus on infrastructure with our newly taxed citizens and port.

    Tolosa is at -45 public order. At -100, a revolt is guaranteed. As soon as the garrison leaves, public order will go down fast. We will need to have an occupying force there for a few turns, at least. Some troops will be able to be transferred before the assault takes place.

    Sorry if I didn't convey this, as my writing gets kind of confusing at times, but I do want to stay at the town to quell the populace.

    @Frei if any experience from past total wars is applicable, killing off the rebels will only give a military crackdown bonus for a few turns and then the public order will just fall again. I'm all for taking Burgidala once Tolosa stabilizes.

    One other thing of note, if things go smoothly after taking Burgidala, and we have a positive income, we should lower taxes so our population can grow and they won't be so weighed down by not having enough money to invest in the tribe's welfare.

  • NerfThatManNerfThatMan Registered User regular
    I'm not well-versed in the ramifications of these decisions mechanically, so I think I'll be voting based purely on fluff and whim. :D

    We should strike hard and fast for a port as soon as possible, and our military leaders should tell us how soon that is feasible.

    We should improve the economy quickly in order to better supply our military, so any and all economic improvements and research should be given precedence.

    Also, I believe researching a battering ram would prove most useful for our future conquests.

    PSN: corporateshill
  • FaranguFarangu I am a beardy man With a beardy planRegistered User regular
    What does a mint do for us?

    +70 wealth per turn, +10% wealth from all buildings, -4 public order per turn(squalor)

  • FaranguFarangu I am a beardy man With a beardy planRegistered User regular
    Also, Burdigala has a 17 unit army sitting in it, with an 11 unit garrison. Ideally, Frei shouldn't take this on alone, but he can if he wants to. He can certainly grab units and rockrngr from Kadoken, and Retaba can do some advance poisoning. Ideally, with his rank up he'll actually achieve something this time.

  • enlightenedbumenlightenedbum Registered User regular
    I will join with Mr. Ray's recommendations for now.

    The idea that your vote is a moral statement about you or who you vote for is some backwards ass libertarian nonsense. Your vote is about society. Vote to protect the vulnerable.
  • FaranguFarangu I am a beardy man With a beardy planRegistered User regular
    Also another upgrade note: Upgrading town hall structures is expensive(at least 2k for Tolosa, closer to 3k for Bibracte and Nemossa), but it close to doubles income generated, and improves everything else about the settlement.

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  • FaranguFarangu I am a beardy man With a beardy planRegistered User regular
    edited September 2013
    That is what we look like currently, yes.

    The Massillians aren't actually harboring them; they're just hanging out in front of their port for whatever reason. If they were allied, the Volcae wouldn't be suffering from attrition.

    They have a garrison of 9, with a light hoplite unit or two, but mostly skirmishers. The odd thing is that I haven't seen a standing army from them yet. At all. This could be because they are currently in fog of war, or they just haven't raised them and put money towards civic improvements.

    I am going to bed now, so I'll update when I can tomorrow if people have any more questions.

    Farangu on
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  • FaranguFarangu I am a beardy man With a beardy planRegistered User regular
    I did not say weak. I merely said I haven't seen one. That doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

  • FleebFleeb has all of the fleeb juice Registered User regular
    edited September 2013
    I don't think Massilia has allies do they? They'd be a good target if your scouting is correct..

    Fleeb on
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  • FaranguFarangu I am a beardy man With a beardy planRegistered User regular
    This is true. It does present a lightly defended target.

    In fact, the biggest risk is that the Vivisci decide to emulate the Volcae, and declare war at an inopportune time.

  • Mr RayMr Ray Sarcasm sphereRegistered User regular
    Farangu wrote: »
    This is true. It does present a lightly defended target.

    In fact, the biggest risk is that the Vivisci decide to emulate the Volcae, and declare war at an inopportune time.

    I find that in total war games if you're just getting comfortable, that means someone is about to declare war on you.

  • rockrngerrockrnger Registered User regular
    I'm going with

    (Total) warfare

    How are the troops I'm training shaping up?

  • CapsaicinCapsaicin I asked my 2 y/o son to draw a pic of my German mom, and thats what we got. Registered User regular
    Military: I would move our two largest armies to Burdigala and take it ASAP (once things have stabilized in Tolosa). This should be accomplished after moving the smaller garrison to Tolosa to keep the order down. Perhaps build a 4th army (if we are allowed to) and use that to garrison Tolosa. If moving the northern garrison to Tolosa is too risky, then funnel all our best troops into a single army and make another southern garrison. That army will take Burdigala.

    Finance: Sacred Grove in Tolosa. Turn off taxes in Tolosa also.

    Technology: Sacred Grove. Followed closely by Massed Charge.

    Politics: Ignore the lazy Pictones for now. If they are not a help at least they are not a hindrance. Taking Burg might give the Pictones some incentive to join our Confederacy (since it's the capital of that Provence). Leave Massillia alone for now until you can get some culture conversion in it from Tolosa. Besides, taking a Mediterranean port now will not only open up trade (good) but also open us up to more powerful enemies (Carthage and Rome).

    capsaicin_zps254b275f.png
  • RetabaRetaba A Cultist Registered User regular
    If zeal helps me poison wells, I pick Zeal, otherwise authority to help balance out my stuff.

  • firewaterwordfirewaterword Satchitananda Pais Vasco to San FranciscoRegistered User regular
    Bring the two armies to Burdigala; take if possible but play defensively, but defer to generals.

    Artisan's Lodge in Bibracte, grove in Tolosa. Plan to upgrade main buildings ASAP.

    Research War Exercises in order to begin lowering troop upkeep.

    Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
  • FleebFleeb has all of the fleeb juice Registered User regular
    Yeah I think I'll change my vote, Tolosa needs a grove more than it needs land enclosures at the moment.

  • StiltsStilts Registered User regular
    I suggest researching War Exercises.

    Also, I've heard them mentioned several times in this thread, but what, precisely, do Dignitaries do.

    IKknkhU.gif
  • CapsaicinCapsaicin I asked my 2 y/o son to draw a pic of my German mom, and thats what we got. Registered User regular
    Stilts wrote: »
    I suggest researching War Exercises.

    Also, I've heard them mentioned several times in this thread, but what, precisely, do Dignitaries do.

    Passive:
    In Enemy Territory - Convert culture to yours
    In Friendly Territory - Increase tax revenue

    Active:
    Convert enemy agents
    Assassinations
    more...

    capsaicin_zps254b275f.png
  • RetabaRetaba A Cultist Registered User regular
    Capsaicin wrote: »
    Stilts wrote: »
    I suggest researching War Exercises.

    Also, I've heard them mentioned several times in this thread, but what, precisely, do Dignitaries do.

    Passive:
    In Enemy Territory - Convert culture to yours
    In Friendly Territory - Increase tax revenue

    Active:
    Convert enemy agents
    Assassinations
    more...

    They also provide public order, I believe. Which is why it is useful in helping to convert captured cities.

  • PhyphorPhyphor Building Planet Busters Tasting FruitRegistered User regular
    Fleeb wrote: »
    If you haven't already, remember that you stop collecting taxes from regions where order is a problem.

    Military I would move our two largest armies to Burdigala and take it ASAP (once things have stabilized in Tolosa).
    Once the fighting is done I would suggest disbanding a few less-experienced units to save on upkeep until finances can be restored.

    Finance I concur with Mr Ray. Enclosed land and artisans lodgings.

    Technology I also concur, War Exercises, or Tribal Economy.

    Politics Ignore the lazy Pictones for now. If they are not a help at least they are not a hindrance. We need to take Burdigala and guard against a counterattack by their allies. If possible once the city is taken we should attempt a peace treaty with them (the allies).

    I agree with everything here, except maybe the disbanding. Though we will have to see what the finances look like

  • Mr RayMr Ray Sarcasm sphereRegistered User regular
    edited September 2013
    Capsaicin wrote: »
    Stilts wrote: »
    I suggest researching War Exercises.

    Also, I've heard them mentioned several times in this thread, but what, precisely, do Dignitaries do.

    Passive:
    In Enemy Territory - Convert culture to yours
    In Friendly Territory - Increase tax revenue

    Active:
    Convert enemy agents
    Assassinations
    more...

    Ooh, we need some of those then. Maybe as a priority after all the shit we just asked for. What building / tech do they require? It sounds like they're like the Metsuke/Ishin Ichi from Shogun 2; basically no reason NOT to have one overseeing every province.

    Mr Ray on
  • FaranguFarangu I am a beardy man With a beardy planRegistered User regular
    edited September 2013
    Mr Ray wrote: »
    Capsaicin wrote: »
    Stilts wrote: »
    I suggest researching War Exercises.

    Also, I've heard them mentioned several times in this thread, but what, precisely, do Dignitaries do.

    Passive:
    In Enemy Territory - Convert culture to yours
    In Friendly Territory - Increase tax revenue

    Active:
    Convert enemy agents
    Assassinations
    more...

    Ooh, we need some of those then. Maybe as a priority after all the shit we just asked for. What building / tech do they require? It sounds like they're like the Metsuke/Ishin Ichi from Shogun 2; basically no reason NOT to have one overseeing every province.

    They are available when we research the technology directly behind Mint.

    Also, I am being treated to a night out. Update will most likely come tomorrow.

    Farangu on
  • FaranguFarangu I am a beardy man With a beardy planRegistered User regular
    edited September 2013
    Council census:

    Cease recruitment for the time being: Mr Ray, enlightenedbum

    Primary construction of Enclosed Land in Tolosa(We do not currently have enough money for both immediately): Mr Ray, enlightenedbum, firewaterword

    Primary construction of a Sacred Grove in Tolosa: Fleeb, Capsaicin, phyphor

    Temporarily exempt Tolosa from taxation: Capsaicin, Fleeb, Mr Ray

    Research War Exercises/Tribal Economy: Mr Ray, Fleeb, enlightenedbum, Stilts, phyphor, NerfThatMan

    Research Tribal Council/Warrior Code: Capsaicin

    Rebuild economy before further conquest: Mr Ray, enlightenedbum

    Conquer Burdigala after Tolosa stabilizes: Fleeb, phyphor

    Defer on military judgements to the generals: Mr Ray, enlightenedbum

    I believe we are still missing judgements from @Vic

    Farangu on
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