Chapter 5: Heaven’s Fall – G1

Hello friends! Welcome back to the Civ Grand Royale. In the last episode we saw some empires fall from grace while others took leaps and bounds towards victory. In particular, the devastating collapse of the Almohads has piqued my personal interest. How shall the world cope when faced with the collapse of a civilization? Let’s find out.

Sierra Leone hungers for the first elimination in this royale, but it looks like there’s a few obstacles in the way first- namely, a coalition has formed against them. However, Sierra Leone has the high ground for now.Also of note, that’s a Marajoara Settler looking to settle the Western Sahara.

The Timurids topped the power rankings after a few parts of Shoshone domination. What could this mean? Are we bearing witness to the fabled Timurid game? Legends have told of this day, when a shunned power restores its legacy of its own merit- this could be it.

While the focus is on the Illyrians’ invasion of hungary, let’s talk about the UUs present on the field- the Lembos and the Sibyna Spearman. The Lembos helps embarked units move faster and is weak and cheap- plus if adjacent to several other Lemboses, the units are much stronger against enemy naval units. Meanwhile, the only relevant bonus the Sibyna Spearman is gonna get is a speed bonus near Coastal tiles. Overall, a very naval-focused civ. Not helpful for a land invasion.

Portugal finally finds peace with England after a fruitless war. However, England still has enough units to restore its army. This war may have been too early, but make no mistake- this is the first of a thousand steps.

France declares a war on Pomerania, and they field an impressive force. I wouldn’t be surprised if they take Wolgast, but it’s unclear how far this invasion will go.

Sokoto joins the coalition against Thomas Peters of Sierra Leone, but they are massively unprepared. Even if their unit composition is decent, they’re massively outnumbered and even the empty cities could be a challenge for Sokoto to take.

Coimbra is settled in Africa, because of course it was.

Also, continuing our discussion on why Sokoto can’t defeat Sierra Leone- they just declared another war on Egypt, for some reason.

The Kiwi Colony of Christchurch in Western Australia raises some major concerns:1. Can Keith Holyoake keep Christchurch in his hands?2. What are the other two Australian powers doing..?

England’s been amassing a lot of land, but none of it seems to go north of York. However, we do see Henry V fielding the first of his UUs- the Longbowman. It’s like the vanilla Longbowman, but it finds better use in the hands of the Henriac forces.

Shu Han is getting invaded by Rouran, who look to take Wenshan. What could make this worse?China’s invasion, obviously. The impressive carpet Sun Yat-Sen fields compared to the empty lands Liu Bei has gives a stark contrast, and one that won’t go unnoticed.

It’s been noted before that the Deseret have a large empire, but aren’t really doing much. It seems their goal of settling everywhere isn’t entirely fruitless- they’re the first civ to claim Hawaii.

Mongolia makes a decisive blow against the forces of Rouran, damaging Xihai to half health and forcing ‘the Yoog’ to declare peace with Shu Han.

Wolgast and Stolp are under siege, and things get worse for Pomerania as Sweden joins in. Luckily for Bogislaw, Christina doesn’t field any naval units except for a single galleass and some workboats. In fact, I think Pomerania has a larger force than Sweden.

Yemen is a dominating force in the Indian ocean, minus any actual domination. They field an impressive 6 cities, plus their UU- the Bakil Highlander. Overall, things are looking good for Arwa al-Sulayhi.

It seems the next act of the CGR has truly begun, has it not?

With Tinmel’s fall, Abd al-Mu’min is forced into hiding amongst the citizenry. Though people may not remember much about the nation that has passed, they realize not the impact its fall would have. As such, let’s give a formal announcement.

The Almohads have been eliminated in 60th place.

Wolgast is in the red, and the coalition against Europe’s punching bag grows larger as Henry V puts on his boxing gloves.

Xihai has been captured by Mongolia, but we don’t have much time to talk about this development because...

France captures Wolgast, and immediately sets fire to the city in an ironic twist for a leader who was historically set on fire herself. Russia amasses a larger force near Stolp.

Funnily enough, I took this picture to show off Russia having declared war on the Eastern Finns, but Sarawak actually interrupted by declaring war on Srivijaya. Welp, moving on.

Both of Srivijaya’s cities are under siege, but Sarawak has greatly diminished in size since they last attempted an invasion. It remains to be seen how this will play out.

Ah, darn it, I was wrong. Who would have expected this? Sokoto actually managed to take Granada while Sierra Leone’s forces were depleted. In fact, it seems as though Usman Dan Fodio has gotten his forces together in arms against the menace of Africa.

Shoshone manages to stay consistent with their quality and captures the capital of the Choctaw, Bok Chukfi Ahilha. Things don’t look good for Pushmataha- soon he may be spreading the message of his own death.

The Mixtecs, on the other hand, have remained consistent amongst all tests, and even into the final version of the game. Yes, they’ve given up Tlaxiaco to the UFC, who have already moved an archer into the city. So it goes.

New England is soon to be NO England as New France declares war on William Stoughton. Yikes. Whoever made that mod must surely be embarrassed about their performance in this game.

Lesotho, Luba, and Yemen all have dibs on the gem of Africa, Madagascar. Let’s face it though, this island doesn’t matter that much in this game, but it’s a nice reward for these civs’ efforts. Good job!

The Golden Age is over, btw.

Jeanne d’Arc leads Luba forces while on vacation from her invasion of Pomerania. I guess some people do take work home with them.

Russia takes Stolp, leaving Pomerania with 1 city. Doesn’t matter to Bogislaw X- he’s already managed to outlast his initial ranking.

Yes, you see that correctly- Portugal has a large force ready to invade Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone, still damaged from constant war, looks to be in a tight spot. The eliminator might soon become… eliminated.

Rama V takes Yunnan, dealing a… Well, to be honest, it’s relatively minor, but it’s a blow to China’s status! Just you wait!

St. Petersburg is under an intense siege from Eastern Finnic forces. I guess Tyushtya wasn’t just sitting on his hands the entire time- this could be a solid capital capture.

Guaycuru and the Omagua make peace, putting an end to a large conflict that dominated South America and yet somehow resulted in an even playing field for all powers involved. Well, I think Brazil’s still fighting.

New France sieges Plymouth, rocking the walls of New England’s new capital city. Really, it’s no shock that New England would fall like this after having lost their capital to Louis de Buade.

Jimmu walks the only road he’s ever known: an invasion towards Mokjeo. Haven’t we seen this before? Damn reruns.

James Brooke, yet again, fails a naval invasion. I really don’t know the cause of this failure, however- my best guess is he spread his forces too thin, and Srivijaya’s archers were able to shoot down the ship at bay.

Luba is marching towards Northwest Africa, fielding their UU- the Nzappa Zap- right around Kipushya. If they take advantage of the distracted Sokoto army, this could be a major gain for the Luba Lads.

The former Almohad capital once again changes hands, as Carlos grabs hold of it. Sierra Leone’s once-thriving empire is basically up for grabs.

Stettin is at 1 HP, and France’s forces surround the city. Bogislaw might soon be Coleslaw for one of the three invaders- but France lacks a melee unit, and Sweden only has a damaged warrior.

Tyushtya takes St. Petersburg out from underneath Elisabeth’s feet! Not only that...

Plymouth falls to New France, unifying all sides of De Buade’s empire. Providence is the last city of Stoughton’s state, and it’s in rough condition. This could be the end of the Witch Hunters.

Ugh, change the chan- WAIT.

MOKJEO HAS FINALLY FALLEN! Jimmu’s efforts were not in vain as he actually made landfall in Asia! Not only that, it’s a pretty decent force he fields nearby, and Gwanggaeto looks like he just can’t retake the city. This is a good day for the weebs.

Tinmel returns to Sierra Leone’s paws, and it looks like Carlos can’t retake it this time. However, Fez looks under-defended, and it could easily fall to the units nearby.

Somehow, Rouran has managed to reunite Xihai with the rest of their empire! Mongolia’s invading forces have been pushed back, and it seems like any headway made in this war is being undone thread by thread!

Ah, peaceful Australia. How quaint. The Ngarrindjeri could easily be the subject of discussion, but right now? I just want to take a break from the intense narration.

If you look closely, you can see the UU of the Wahgi, the Kumb Tapi. Hey, stop that giggling, this is a real culture you’re making fun of!

But in all seriousness, the Wahgi look to be heading west.

The show must go on! After a vicious confrontation between the forces of De Buade and Stoughton, a victor has emerged in the hands of the Frenchman! Err… New Frenchman? New French doesn’t sound right, does it?? But anyways, there are no more New English- New English??- cities on the map. Wait, does that mean-New England has been eliminated in 59th place.

Brazil loses Salvador to the Omagua in a war that should’ve ended 10 turns ago. Who am I to complain though? I’m just the narrator.

Siam declares war on Shu Han, thus adding pressure onto Liu Bei’s borders, especially near Fuling. But who are we fooling? This war’s gonna be a win for China.

Three. Three eliminations. That’s not a record by any means, but it’s definitely a substantial number.

Ah, but Pomerania. At least you didn’t get last? They did put up a decent resistance, but ultimately it was futile.

Pomerania has been eliminated in 58th place.

Wahgi declares war on Sarawak, taking advantage of James Brooke’s previous blunder in invading Srivijaya. Sarawak lacks a solid unit composition, so things could go south FAST. Buckle your seatbelts- but really, you shouldn’t be reading this in the car.

Gwandu and Granada are under siege, but perhaps the biggest threat is towards the city of Sokoto, where Luba’s army maintains a powerful composition. Sokoto, on the other hand, seems to be defending with a single archer and half a warrior. Pity.

Sanharao is settled in Africa.

Japan’s now fiercely defending their recent capture from Gaemamusas- the UU of Goguryeo- and the entire army of Gwanggaeto! This right here? This is Bushido.

Yes, Rashtrakuta fields their UU: the Sthirabhuta Kataka. Don’t think this is the start of a comeback, however, as Bengal ALSO fields their UU: the Paik. Both of these units are fairly strong, but if they’re fighting each other, I guess they balance out?

Kazakhstan sends its units towards distant Rouran in an attempt to invade the Mad Moog’s home turf. Mr. Mugiulu must be mustering forces in Mumo, but ultimately I don’t think this war will go anywhere.

PREVIOUSLY ON HOME FLIPPERS

Lasandra and her ex-boyfriend Michael are looking for a studio apartment for her dog. We’ve decided to convince her that instead, it would be better to move into the newly flipped city of Tinmel.

She declined.

Gwandu falls, and Sokoto is under siege. Luba could be making some major plays in this part, but ultimately there’s no net gain or loss for TopHat. However, it seems as though Durth’s prophecy will go unfulfilled.

Weirdly enough, the wrong blue/yellow EW civ has settled Greenland. Yes, it ends up in De Buade’s hands first, instead of Eystein’s. Cahokia seems like it’ll be a moundful of trouble, though.

P’kuee sends her forces towards Puerto Castilla, but it doesn’t seem to be a huge loss for the UFC- the natural defenses are pretty major, and P’kuee’s navy is not up to par.

As we end this part, let’s summarize the- wait, there’s one more slide?

Oh.

OH.

Sokoto has fallen, leaving Usman Daniel Fodio barricaded inside the city of Granada. Karma, much?

Will Japan maintain their Korean holdings? Will Sokoto bite the dust? Will I find time to summarize the events of this episode? Find out next time on…

THE CIV GRAND ROYALE!

Shoshone shows a true return to form, grabbing the top, as well as a brand new Green flag. Good show!

I forgot Shang was at the bottom previously. I don’t think we even saw them in this chapter. Oh well!