The summer of 1969. Peace had long since passed out of living memory, and into myth and legend. Generations of Sumerians had been born, and died, having never tasted anything but warfare. They had, fortunately, been spared the worst of it. No foreign army had stepped foot on Sumerian soil in 500 years.
But they had emerged a changed people. Once they had dreamed of peace, of reaching the world with their culture, of writing their names on the stars, they had to sacrifice some of what they once were. Though Uruk remained a cultural force, slowly it waned to Timbuktu. Their scientists were no longer always first to the most important innovations, for a time. But slowly, inexorably, they had pushed back the phantoms of the past. Others who had disturbed the Sumerian peace were given final rest. The Khemer were first, and longest, fight ended. The Egyptians, facing the strong armies of seasoned warriors crumbled quickly once the initial onslaught was over. By the time Mansa Musa joined the fight, none could compare. The Khemer lands had become fully Sumerian, and had allowed their people to assert dominance in technology. Tanks transformed into modern armor, and infantry to mechanized.
The conquest of Mali was completed in 25 years. In 1969 peace was signed. Mali had been reduced to a single island in the ocean. Left as a reminder of the fate of those who would defy Sumeria. Any enemy would fear the silent roar of our stealth bombers. 1969, the year of peace.
And then in 1970 we declared war on Sitting Bull because we had dozens of tanks and infantry, and simply wanted to take the narrow ithsmus on the continent, so we could build a canal (fort) to allow our ships to cross without having to spend 6 turns going around either the north or south. Also connect the north part of the continent with the south with our territory.
At this point the culture was off the table for everyone. Mansa Musa had a shot at the dawn of the 20th. Timbuktu was already legendary, and he had a second city that was all but certain before the end. A third city had a shot, but it was far from certain. But my conquest had paved them over, and so Uruk would end the game as the only Legendary city. The mid game had forced me to build up units, delaying me buildings and losing some wonders. Plus the maintenance meant all my surplus gold had to be funneled to research.
When I declared war on Sitting Bull I had 3 realistic options. Conquest, science, and diplomatic. I controlled the UN, and had 56% of the population. I only needed 1 friend to get the UN victory, and could nearly do it alone (I would perpetually wind up 5 votes short by myself). I never made an effort, but a cursory push towards Victoria could do it (she always abstained, as did Mansa Musa).
Conquest? I controlled 58% of the land. The threshold is 43% pop, and 64% land. Sitting Bull had 17%, so taking even half his land would net me an easy conquest.
Science? In 69 I had the Apollo Project done, and 2 components made, with several others in production. By the 90’s only Victoria even had a single component made.
Well I did what I do. I took enough land to make my bridge, stopping just short of the victory condition (63.05%). I then declared peace. I wanted to go to Alpha Centauri. The turns from 1982 to 1996 flew by. The last techs came through, and my major cities cranked out the pieces.
I finished in 1996, and launched. 10 turns to complete the journey. I simply ran out the timer. In 2006 Sumeria reigned supreme.
Thoughts on the mechanics later today. I have lots to say.
