Field of Glory: Empires - Multiplayer AAR

[CV60]

291 BC

Rome retakes Liguria without loss from the Celtic tribes (Image 41). Taurinia also falls this turn, completing the Roman conquest of the essential Cisalpina border regions.


Image 41. The Second Battle of Liguria



Diplomatic events this turn include a cooperation treaty with Epirus and Rome breaking cooperation with Samnium (Image 42). Because Rome can’t declare war until it breaks an existing cooperation agreement, it will be at least three turns before Rome can invade. An invasion then leaves just enough time to besiege and take the Samnite capital and then redeploy to conquer Etrusci by the 280 BC deadline for unifying the peninsula. While it would be a viable strategy to wait and try to turn Etrusci and Samnium into client states, the rapid advance of Arverni towards Cisalpina, and the ever-present Carthaginian threat lead me to conclude that my original strategy of conquest will better provide for Roman security and progress. My logic is that the Samnite army that is allied with Rome is too small to significantly affect any potential battle with Carthage. Therefore, Samnium’s resources will better defend the peninsula if they are placed under Roman control. While the Etruscan army is more substantial, it is still small relative to the numbers of provinces under Etruscan control. Additionally, both armies are very unlikely to deploy outside of the peninsula. For these reasons, it appears that Samnium and Etrusci can best assist in the defense of Rome by being incorporated into Rome. And Rome doesn’t have the time to woo them…..

Image 42. Breaking Cooperation with Samnium



Economically, Rome is in good shape. The Latium province is fully developed, with 13 building slots filled (Image 43). This means that no additional buildings can be built until I either 1) dismantle a building; or 2) increase in population. At the current growth rate, it will take an additional 12 turns before my population grows and I can build again in Latium. In contrast, tearing down a building will only take 3 turns. Because Latium is short of both food and infrastructure producing buildings, I select the skirmisher training facility to be torn down. Although I could have selected a commerce building, with my treasury down to 69 gold, I need all the revenue-producing buildings I can get.

Image 43. Urban Renewal in Latium

[CV60]

290 BC

The beginning of the year offers Rome the chance to offer citizenship to some slaves. While this won’t affect many slaves, it will decrease unrest and possibly help convert a few slaves to citizens. Give the rapidly expanding number of Roman regions, I select it. (Image 44).


Image 44. Granting Slaves Some Rights



In geopolitical news, for the past several turns, Ptolemaic Egypt has been seizing significant portions of Greece (Image 45). I’m not sure what their concept behind this move is, as I think that such an event would put them in conflict with either or both Antigonos and Lysimakos. However, there seems to be relative peace between the three powers. I’m not sure what was agreed to at that conference between these three players, but Rome wasn’t part of it…..

With the conquest of the Cisalpina borderlands, Rome redeploys the bulk of its army to the Samnium border. My plan is to launch a quick and decisive attack on Samnium next turn. My allied Etrusci and the small Roman garrison forces can defend the northern peninsula for the short time the Roman army will be away....


Image 45. The Geopolitical Situation in the Mediterranean, 290 BC



A review of the Roman situation at the end of the second decade of the game shows that it is well on its way to the conquest of the peninsula. Only the Samnium, the Boii and Etrusci remain yearning to be freed. Of these, only the Etrusci are a significant military power, and they are both allied with us and surrounded by Rome. Of the human powers, Carthage remains a threat, but has admittedly abstained from any threatening moves. While the Arverni have slowly advanced towards Cisalpina, they have also not engaged in any threatening moves. However, the lack of communications with the various human players is troubling, as it may indicate that the Roman sphere of influence has already been determined, albeit without consulting us.

I also begin to consider my strategy for after the unification of the peninsula is completed. The lack of human player movement in both the Balkans and in Hispania could offer low risk opportunities for expansion. Hispania is attractive for its mineral wealth and as a possible way of threatening Carthage without having command of the sea. The Balkans provides less mineral wealth, but a way to push out a buffer zone away from the peninsula. The lack of a Roman navy makes such a buffer zone less useful, as the superior naval power of any the human players in the Mediterranean means that the Roman heartland is vulnerable to an attack from the sea. However, this threat can be mitigated by a superior Roman army, fortified cities, and a Roman fleet once the required dockyards are built.

Rome’s fiscal and manpower situation is deteriorating. With only 43 gold in the treasury and only 94 units of manpower remaining, Rome needs a period of peace to rebuild. Fortunately, metal reserves are plentiful at 636. This gives me the ability to increase either the treasury of manpower quickly if needed.

In terms of Culture and Decadence, Rome is now ranked 47th, as its rise to “Glorious Republic” status, plus the conquest of only portions of Cisalpina have hurt the CDR ratio. In legacy ranking, Rome has 97 legacy points, following Carthage (99); Ptolemaic Egypt (210); Arverni (212) and Antigonos (219).

Note: Comment from the Arverni Player (jimwinsor): Most of this game I was focused on one thing only, and that was taking my objectives as they popped up. Because they all popped in in Gaul. I was focused on uniting it. I had no immediate plans other than that.

Note: Comment from the Carthage Player (loki100): The lack of Carthaginian action was because assimilating Sicily to the point where the revolt risk is eliminated takes about four turns. Since Syracuse is so hard to take, I didn't want it revolting away. Also, at this point my main army moved back to North Africa to grab some objectives and a couple of other regions so I could complete the Provinces.

[CV60]

289-88 BC

In 289 BC, Rome declares war on Samnium. A Samnite raid last turn into Aufidus salves my troubled conscience over taking such a drastic course of action against a former friend. Rome will also complete a siege engine workshop that will be completed by 288 will make the reduction of the Samnite capital of Narnia mercifully short (Image 46).

Image 46. Siege Engine Workshop and Final Deployments for Invasion




Rome also build a preceptor house, to start reducing some of decadence that Rome is rapidly accumulating since its advancement to "Glorious Republic" and its inability to form the Cisalpina province.

Image 47. Preceptor House construction



Aside from the launching of the Samnium punitive expedition, the Mediterranean appears to be quiet (Image 48). This quiet still bothers me. I’m sure there is more going on under the surface, but the chat has been very quiet as far as specifics. The Carthaginians do not appear to have made any inroads in Spain, which is a surprise.

Image 48. The Geopolitical Situation in the Mediterranean, 288 BC



In terms of economic development, Rome has 232 gold in its treasury. That amount will be increasing by 132 gold per turn. Assuming there are no unexpected events, the treasury should be in good shape in a few years. The more troubling shortage is in manpower. With manpower pool of only 107, and only growing at ten a turn, it will be difficult to expand the Roman army or build a navy. Although I can spend metal to obtain manpower or gold, I would rather leave that capability unused until needed. Accordingly, I need to find some way to increase my manpower without resorting to the sale of metal. Empires allows manpower to be increased by building ports and herbalists. However, Rome has built as many ports as possible, in an effort to develop shipyards capable of building heavy warships. Only one region has recently presented the opportunity to build a Herbalist (Image 49). Therefore, short of conquest of some more populated regions, my manpower situation is unlikely to improve in the short term.

Image 49. Current Roman Infrastructure Builds

[CV60]

287 BC

Some interesting chats this turn indicate that the Carthaginians have been active in the eastern Mediterranean. This is a real surprise. The lack of apparent infighting between Antigonos, Lysimakos and Ptolemaios (Egypt) have caused me concern. The chats indicate that Carthage may be working with Lysimakos and/or Egypt. Carthage’s reference to “Poor Dido” can also be taken as a veiled indication of things to come my way. (Image 50). The need for a Roman navy becomes even more acute. Up to this time, I have avoided buying a fleet, as Rome’s army needed the gold and manpower. But with the conquest of Samnium, the goal of “kinetically assimilating” Etrusci into the Roman Republic becomes the next objective. For this operation, a fleet will be useful for assisting in the blockade of the Etrusci coast. It also will give the Roman fleet increased experience for the likely clash with the Carthaginians. And Rome will need all the experience it can get in that battle. Because of these factors, I begin the construction of a small fleet. Nothing ostentatious, mind you. Just three light ships. But it will grow, at least if I can get my shipyards upgraded.


Image 50. Chat Log

[devoncop]

Loving this AAR.

Will be interesting to compare how things went here to our 14 player MP game we will be playing post launch

[CV60]

Loving this AAR.

Will be interesting to compare how things went here to our 14 player MP game we will be playing post launch

Thank you. I'm glad you are enjoying it. I will post some more episodes in a couple of days.

[Yaitz331]

Looking at the minimap, it seems Judea is doing quite well.
Go Judea! You can do it!

[devoncop]

Looking at the minimap, it seems Judea is doing quite well.
Go Judea! You can do it!

If you are following Greyhunterlp you tube series on Judea then you will be even more encouraged !

Both the Antigonids and the Ptolemaics are in pieces and Judea is feasting on their carcasses

[Morbio]

I'm loving this too and if there are any MP games going after launch then I'd love to participate. I'm not part of the beta, so will be reasonably inexperienced.

[Yaitz331]

Looking at the minimap, it seems Judea is doing quite well.
Go Judea! You can do it!

If you are following Greyhunterlp you tube series on Judea then you will be even more encouraged !

Both the Antigonids and the Ptolemaics are in pieces and Judea is feasting on their carcasses

That actually makes me somewhat nervous, seeing as the Antigonids and Ptolemies have no wish to fight each other in the MP.

[devoncop]

I'm loving this too and if there are any MP games going after launch then I'd love to participate. I'm not part of the beta, so will be reasonably inexperienced.

I will PM you Morbio

[devoncop]

Looking at the minimap, it seems Judea is doing quite well.
Go Judea! You can do it!

If you are following Greyhunterlp you tube series on Judea then you will be even more encouraged !

Both the Antigonids and the Ptolemaics are in pieces and Judea is feasting on their carcasses

That actually makes me somewhat nervous, seeing as the Antigonids and Ptolemies have no wish to fight each other in the MP.

I am sure we are all nervous as to what will happen after the starting gun fires Yaitz !!

[Tamas]

The emerging dynamics between the Successor States is interesting even in single player, and in multiplayer with them under player control, is VERY interesting, not to mention decisive.

I think almost all of them have better initial options than to fight each other (in terms of ease of conquest) but can they afford it? A strong rival not kept in check is a rival growing and becoming harder to contain... On the other hand, helping to collapse one of the Successors may just create a bigger problem on your border. Fun dilemmas.

[devoncop]

The emerging dynamics between the Successor States is interesting even in single player, and in multiplayer with them under player control, is VERY interesting, not to mention decisive.

I think almost all of them have better initial options than to fight each other (in terms of ease of conquest) but can they afford it? A strong rival not kept in check is a rival growing and becoming harder to contain... On the other hand, helping to collapse one of the Successors may just create a bigger problem on your border. Fun dilemmas.

This is indeed an issue I have been considering a lot approaching the start of our big MP game starting after release given I am the Ptolemaics.......

[loki100]

FWIW, I don't think that both Seleucus and Antigonus can survive, they have too much overlap. The other Diadochi can dance around the issue a bit, but Antigonus needs wars. Also both start powerful but can fall heavily due to the way that regions can defect. My instinct is Ptolemy can play his historic game of basically making sure that neither think he's a worthwhile target. Macedonia gains from being an essentially Greek power, Lysimakos is neither Greek or Asia Minor but has some interesting options.

The other problem (for most other players) is if Antigonus survives the opening crises, it is well placed to become the powerhouse. Asia Minor and Greece are the richest regions and there is no reason why a successful Antigonus can't nail down the entire region from the Aegean to the borders of Syria (forgive the modern geographical terms). I did this in one of our short test MPs, in part as the Seleucid player decided to conquer the Caspian region instead so left me alone at a critical stage. I also cut a deal with Ptolemy for them to take the Levant - my rather cynical logic was to let them deal with the likely Jewish revolt.

Its all nicely set up, and I'm sure there are deals and alliances yet to be developed by creative players

[devoncop]

FWIW, I don't think that both Seleucus and Antigonus can survive, they have too much overlap. The other Diadochi can dance around the issue a bit, but Antigonus needs wars. Also both start powerful but can fall heavily due to the way that regions can defect. My instinct is Ptolemy can play his historic game of basically making sure that neither think he's a worthwhile target. Macedonia gains from being an essentially Greek power, Lysimakos is neither Greek or Asia Minor but has some interesting options.

The other problem (for most other players) is if Antigonus survives the opening crises, it is well placed to become the powerhouse. Asia Minor and Greece are the richest regions and there is no reason why a successful Antigonus can't nail down the entire region from the Aegean to the borders of Syria (forgive the modern geographical terms). I did this in one of our short test MPs, in part as the Seleucid player decided to conquer the Caspian region instead so left me alone at a critical stage. I also cut a deal with Ptolemy for them to take the Levant - my rather cynical logic was to let them deal with the likely Jewish revolt.

Its all nicely set up, and I'm sure there are deals and alliances yet to be developed by creative players

It is interesting in this AAR that the Ptolemaics have struck out and taken the Greek islands and have moved quite strongly into Greece itself for its wealth and culture benefits. It will be interesting to see how defensible these holdings prove to be longer term.....

[loki100]

it was a pity this particular test ended when it did (a patch with no backward compatibility) as it was all coming very nicely to the boil, after about 50 years of most players being too polite to each other. And that take over was one of the issues as it was giving the Ptolemies a huge legacy boost.

[CV60]

it was a pity this particular test ended when it did (a patch with no backward compatibility) as it was all coming very nicely to the boil, after about 50 years of most players being too polite to each other. And that take over was one of the issues as it was giving the Ptolemies a huge legacy boost.

I will have another decade of game play posted here soon. As you said, the situation between Carthage and the poor, beleaguered Romans was starting to come to a boil. But only because Rome decided to protect the Hispanic population from the depredations of Carthage....

[CV60]

286-85 BC

Rome starts 286 by seizing and converting some commercial shipping to jump start its navy (Image 51). The ships you get are small and medium sized, so they will not be able to take on a major power. But they are capable of holding their own against the Etrusci navy.

Image 51. Roman Press Ganging a Fleet




While the siege in Samnium is ongoing, now is a good time to review the Roman situation. In terms of legacy, Rome finally pulls ahead of Carthage, but remains well behind Egypt, the Antigonos and Arverni (Image 52). Egypt and the Antigonos are getting between 13-18 legacy points a turn from structures and objectives, while the Arverni are 23 points a turn from objectives. I am only accumulating 9 legacy points a turn total. If I am to catch up on legacy, I will have to slow down the other player’s accumulation of legacy by taking objectives or structures from them. This may mean that my initial idea of winning by peacefully building structures won’t work, as I can not create sufficient legacy through building projects to overcome the legacy the other players are generating. This implies that once the peninsula is unified, Rome will have to continue to expand beyond the peninsula.

Image 52. Legacy Rankings, 286 BC



With the dawn of 285 BC, it becomes time to end the alliance with Etrusci. Their forces are spread out, and Rome’s are relatively unified (Image 53). My plan is to attack the Samnite capital of Narnia in 285, finishing them off. Rome will then attack Etrusci with this force as well as the army in Liguria. However, Rome is at the end of its manpower rope, and almost bankrupt. The treasury has only 91 gold left and there are no manpower reserves. In fact, Rome is losing 36 units of manpower. This will prevent any further expansion of the army, and make it impossible to keep units at full strength.

Image 53. All Good Things Must Come to an End




When I finally storm Narnia in 285, it is apparent that I waited too long. Only four defenders were left on the walls and the Roman assault easily overwhelmed them (Image 54). In retrospect, I should have made the attack one or two turns earlier, but I delayed in an effort to avoid losses and preserve my experienced army. Although I might have suffered more casualties, the loss of two turns is significant, as it delays the attack against Etrusci.

Image 54. The Capture of Narnia

[CV60]

284-282 BC

The 284 BC turn begins with the news that Rome’s diplomatic overtures to the Dardarni are successful, resulting in making a cooperation agreement with them. I’ve become a bit concerned with Egypt’s moves in Greece, and I want to make as many friends as I can in the Balkans to help blunt any moves there. With the Italian peninsula still open to sea borne invasion, Egypt doesn’t need to take the Balkans to invade Roman territory. Still, friendships among the Balkan nations may lead to an alliance or client state status that can be used to threaten Greece, countering any Egyptian actions against Rome.

I adopted a similar strategy with some of the Germanic tribes that face the Arverni, attempting to embrace them as a way of both stopping any Arverni move against Rome, while also encouraging the Arverni to move towards Carthaginian holdings in Hispania. In 284, some of these efforts bore fruit, with the Helvetii becoming a client state of Rome (Image 55). As a Roman client state, the Helvetii will provide 15% of their income to Rome. Frankly, that isn’t that much. What is more important is that the Arverni will be unable to expand through Helvetii territory without risking a war with Rome. And I don’t think the Arverni player wants a war. Hopefully, he will start casting a covetous eye south towards Hispania for the legacy points he will need. And Rome will be happy to see that the Arverni achieve their rightful place in the community of nations: right on top of Carthage, and below Rome…..

Image 55. The Helvetii Protectorate



The remainder of the turn passes uneventfully. Rome sends some reinforcements from Rome to Liguria in preparation for the attack into Etrusci. Rome’s manpower situation remains dire, with no reserves, and a deficit of 21 manpower units a turn. This means that my losses will not be replaced, and the army will become increasingly brittle.

The map of the Mediterranean shows that Egypt has swallowed most of Epirus, in northwestern Greece. The Arverni appear to be stalled in Gaul. Curiously, the Carthaginians still haven’t made any moves in Hispania, although they appear to have taken Sardinia (Image 56). There is not much there, at least not compared to the wealth of Hispania. I wonder why they did that…..

Image 56. The Geopolitical Situation in the Mediterranean, 284 BC




The year 283 sees the final positioning of Roman forces for the invasion of Etrusci and the declaration of war on Etrusci. One army in the north is poised at the lightly held areas of Etruscan Cisalpine. The main army is located in Rome, and is aimed at the Etruscan capital. In 282, the armies advance, while the navy blockades the Etruscan capital of Cosa (Figure 57). Both Roman armies defeat the defending Etruscan forces, and even the Roman navy manages to decisively defeat the Etruscan navy. These victories are important, as it appears Egypt is marching up the Dalmatian coast, while Carthage has just taken Corsica. Rome seems to be caught between two closing pincers (Image 57). I need to finish off Etrusci and then find some way to break out of what is beginning to look like encirclement of Rome by Carthage and Egypt.

Figure 57. The Invasion of Etrusci and Egyptian & Carthaginian Advances, 282 BC