Episode 16: Burning Shores – S1

Hello folks, and welcome to this week’s episode of the Civ Battle Royale X. I’m your host this week, Msurdej, here to take you through another dizzying week on the cylinder.

u/arcticwolffox brings us this week’s featured OC, showing us just exactly how New Zealand betrayed the Murri. Will this betrayal pay off, or will the Murri be able to bounce back?

Vihreaa brings us another hand drawn map, showing us the changes in country size over the course of the game. These maps have been super helpful when I’ve been doing my rankings, so give them an upvote when you see them.

Another map that’s been useful in my rankings is my fellow Power Ranker ThyReformer’s map showing off the Objectively Relevant wars in a Subjectively Pretty fashion. It helps me figure out who’s fighting who, and how powerful those civs are.

While Tonga had a brief stint as the top civ this week, Uruguay was just able to muscle through and maintain the #1 spot. More interesting though, is the rest of the top 5, which has been jumbled up from Part 14. Iroquois and Maratha are rising, while the Sami, Metis, and Zimbabwe fall. Will the up and comers keep their new lofty spots, or fall back down? Let’s find out!

Rajapapua starts the episode off right, convincing Bayinnaung to join him in fighting Australia. The main target here for Papua is most likely Bunbury, in large part due to Papua’s strong navy, outfitted with new Frigates and Corsairs. Elsewhere in Australia, the Murri successfully retake their capital from New Zealand.

Last part, the Haida declared war against Korea. And while they have a stronger army on paper, in practice the Koreans are far superior in the present conflict. Tlell has nearly fallen, and while Koyah is trying to get reinforcements to the conflict, it seems unlikely they will make it in time.

The Moors continue to make headway into North Africa, taking Mascara off of the Songhai. They also seem to have finished laying down the law in the former Algerian capital, which will make it a nice base of operations as this war continues. The Songhai meanwhile, have all but abandoned the front lines, retreating the majority of their forces to Kano and Kukiya.

The victory of the Murri is short lived however, as the forces of Richard Seddon retake Cavanbah. While its possible that the Murri could re-flip the city, Seddon could easily flip it back. Seddon, for his part, is starting to look at Meanjin, the Murri’s new capital.

The Scots are on their last legs as the Vikings bang on the doors of Edinburgh. Forces have landed on the shores of Scotland, and Robert is down to his last melee unit. If he loses it, it’s all over for Robert.

Geronimo and Hiawatha make peace, ending the conflict in the American Midwest. Hiawatha comes out a clear winner, but the Apache are still a force to be reckoned with. Also seen here is Poverty Point, in the lower left hand corner. Look at how cute and small it is.

The Brown, Beige, and Burgundy boys and girl are back. I thought this was the same image seen in Episode 15, but no, it’s not. Some populations have shifted (mostly going up), but the majority of it remains the same. Beta Israel has its Agaw Archers, Nubia is on the cusp of being outdated, and Benin is trying to channel the ghost of Minos to make a labyrinth out of his country.

Korea makes good on its power and end up taking the city of Tlell from Haida. While Haida had been making several strong plays the last couple of parts, its seems like this time, they have bitten off more than they could chew.

South of Korea, the Qin are marching on Shikoku's colony of Macao, which it stole from Canton, who is also under attack. While Shikoku has a strong military, it is focused on its island, with only a few token garrisons to defend their mainland holdings in China.

Genghis Khan, the current Elected Emperor, jumps at the chance to knock the Vikings down a peg and claw his empire back up the rankings, and declares war on Ragnar. The Emperor is sending forces to attack Alabur, but the Vikings could wheel around to punish the HRE once they finish off Scotland.

You may have seen Poverty Point declare war on the Aztecs. You may have thought this wasn’t a relevant war. Well joke’s on you, a force of Poverty Point troops has managed to appear in the ruins of a former city, ready to strike at the Aztecs. Tahera also makes peace with the Yu’pik, who join in against the Aztecs.

The Qin take Macao and set it on fire in a fit of rage. While  the Pikemen UU Shikoku have could retake the city, it seems unlikely they’d be able to capture the city back before it burns to the ground. Elsewhere, the Nazca join the Anti Aztec Alliance, mostly due to the lack of shitposts by the Aztecs.

Ragnar has begun to bring the fight to the HRE, attacking their Iceland colony of Nuremberg. The Vikings have a far larger force out in the North Atlantic, and it seems likely that they could capture this and the nearby Ulm from Genghis if they commit to the war.

Now that he's no longer at war with the Apache, Hiawatha can focus his efforts on building up his empire. New cities he makes get bonuses thanks to his UA; The Great Law of Peace. He also starts to invest in the new crossbows that have been sweeping the cylinder, though he has yet to see the value of those “muskratmen” he’s heard about from the Minoan sailor near his shores.

And now we get to see why Ragnar has begun to focus the HRE: Edinburgh has fallen, leaving Scotland at 57th place.Oh Robert, much like Elizabeth and Malachy before you, you had the rough luck of starting on the British Isles. And while he didn’t do awfully at first, his main rivals in the Isle of Man always seemed to do better than him. But Scotland still persevered, building the Great Hadrian’s Wall.Then everything changed when the Scots signed a peace treaty, giving away Glasgow. The loss of that city was something Robert never recovered from, and their eventual death to the Vikings was a long, drawn out process. And while there is a remaining Scottish Army, it won’t be enough to retake the city. So long, Robet, may your return to the sub be swift and painless.F

Now defeated, the remaining Scots make peace with Ragnar, crushing any hope of a revitalized Scotland. In the North Pacific, the Koreans have pushed the Haida back, securing their grip on Tlell. It doesn’t seem likely that Haida can retake the city, but if Korea wants, they could push forward and take more of Koyah’s cities.

Though the HRE still attacks Alabur, Ragnar goes on the offensive and attack Frankfurt Am Main. The city is already in the yellow, and the Vikings show no signs of letting up. But the same can be said of the HRE, who continue to defend the city.

Indignant after the fall in the rankings he received last part, Sulu is refocusing on his attack on Dhar. Maratha has a strong hold over these straits, but the loss of this city could change things, and would be embarrassing for the #2 civ

The Songhai refuse to lose Benghazi, and begin to reinforce the city. They also send a few regiments to try and reclaim Mascara. The Moors, meanwhile, have few melee units in Africa, which would make capturing, or retaking, a city difficult.

Parthia continues to press forward against the Seljuqs, bringing Isfahan down to half health. Seljuq forces are beginning to thin out, though they are supplemented by a few Nepali catapults. Zimbabwe meanwhile, contributes nothing but moral support and a DoW against Nubia.

1 spearmen, 5 composite bowmen. A Great Engineer, and 2 Great Generals. This is what remains of the Scottish people, isolated to the remains of Stirling. Sure they aren’t the Lost Legion or the Ashanti Pikeman, but I’m sure this squad of Scots will  inevitably fill that void.

The Haida and Taungoo both decide to settle in Hawaii. Shockingly, both settle on opposite sides from where they are, and when they try to settle the other side, both find the other already there. The Shikoku meanwhile, who have been their since Part 14, chuckle at some new potential prey.

Beta Israel goes on the offensive, pushing against the borders of Nubia. The Agaw Archers of Beta Israel are weaker than the average comp bowmen, but have the advantage of pillaging enemy tiles and healing, along with additional range. This means they could theoretically take potshots at Meroe until a melee unit is in range to take the city.

Frankfurt Am Main has nearly fallen to the Vikings, and perhaps would have truly fallen were it not for a pair of Moorish scouts. While its likely the city would be recaptured if Ragnar did take it, it would still be a great blow to Genghis Khan. Elsewhere, Stettin remains in the red, and some far off civs declare war on the Nenets.

Parthian units continue to make headway in the war vs the Seljuqs. Most of the combined Nepal/Seljuq army has been pushed back, giving Mithridates a good shot of taking the capital. If he succeeds, it will almost certainly doom the chances of the Seljuqs winning the game.

“If anyone is gonna take out those dang Nenets, it's gonna be me!” Says Ablai Khan as he marshals his troops to fight the Nenets. Both armies seems well matched, so it could be anyone’s game.

While Shikoku manages to recapture Maaco, the Qin have shifted their attention to Canton. This sort of two front fighting is only being a detriment to Qin. And while the Qin Nu, a crossbow UU, is great vs cities, it does require set-up, which is time his foes can use against Qin.

In a shocking turn of events, Gothic cavalry forces are able to seize the city of Berea back from the Golden Horde. Bolghar, meanwhile, remains in Horde hands, mostly due to the Goths having no nearby melee units.

Nuremberg falls to the Vikings, extending their empire ever farther across the shores of the cylinder. Sensing weakness in Genghis, Nzinga declares war on him and the HRE, and also against Nepal because why not.

You may have also seen the big news in the last panel: The Moors and Songhai make peace. While the Moors get to keep Mascara, the Songhai still maintain a decent grip on much of Northwest Africa. All in all, both parties most likely realized that wasting men and resources against one another was ineffective.

Well would you look at that folks; Memhed and Havel made peace, and wouldn’t ya know it, Ostrava STILL hasn’t fallen! Memhed, meanwhile, has bigger issues as Prussian Knights are galavanting around the countryside near Edirne.

In Africa, we see Beta Israel moving forward with their invasion, now having a pikemen outside the gates of Meroe. In Europe, The Sami make peace with Ol’ Fritz, and celebrate by setting the conquered city of Stettin ablaze.

The New Zealand army has been hammering away at Meanjin for a while now, and looks increasingly likely to take the city. If they do, it will force the Murri into a single city, all but taking them out of the game.

Parthia continues to press the attack on the Seljuqs, bringing their capital to the red. While there aren’t any melee units nearby, if Mithridates moves that Swordsman or Pikemen into range, he could take his first capital.

Looking at northern Oceania for a bit, we see the Papuan navy going after the island city of Bunbury. The Australian Navy has all but been chased off, so it looks likely we’ll be seeing this city in Rajapapua’s hands.

Deciding to cut some of his losses, Hawke makes peace with Shivaji. Unfortunately, he also gives up Geelong in the process. Which Maratha decides to burn because why have good cities when you can BURN EVERYTHING!!!

Uruguay continues to press the attack against the Kuikuro, and once again, we see units surrounding, but not attacking, the Kuikuro capital. Despite the length of time this war has been going, and the power difference between each civ, we haven’t seen that many captures from Uruguay. Perhaps this push, or their new wonder which give +1 Science from Religious Buildings, will turn it around.

Meanjin continues to take damage, with the Murri defenders being pushed back. Offscreen, the New Zealand capital of Wellington had a whopping 47 population during Turn 230, and its likely to have continued growing. This has lead to several in the PR to politely ask New Zealand to stop having orgies in their capital.

Parthia takes Isfahan, gaining their first capital and kicking out the Seljuqs. This leaves Alp Arslan with only two cities, and while its possible that the Pikemen near the Palmyran border could recapture the city, it's highly unlikely.

Up North, The Kazahks and the Nenets duke it out, with each civ both attacking and defending. Ablai Khan has sent his army to attack Nyar'yana Marq, while Vauli sends his army to surround  the former Evenks city of Erema. Surprisingly, it looks like the Nenets have the upper hand in this scenario.

I level with you folks, despite Madagascar’s military being in the Top 10, I have no faith in them since their last failed attempt to invade Beta Israel. However, with this new war against Gudit, Ranavalona hopes to prove that she more than a rump state.

Seeing an easy mark in Taejon, Bombogor declares war on Korea. Seonjo only has a few ships and a beleaguered bowman at his disposal, and his city has very little defense. Can he survive an attack of the Evenk’s mighty reindeer?

Eadni had a fun time burning Stettin and decides she wants more. So she decides to kick the Muscovites around. If the last war the Sami were in is any indication, the Muscovy have little to fear besides a few singed cities.

 Papua takes control of Bunbury from Australia, and promptly proceeds to torch the island. More and more cities burn due to lack of happiness every day it seems, because why have cities when you can have smoldering ruins and ash confetti.

Jamukha has been stalling in the rankings for a few parts, only scraping back into the top 10 last part. Well not this part folks! Jamukha’s going to war with Korea (and Muscovy). With much of Seonjo’s power in navy, Jamukha could see some victories here with his enemy's forces divided.

While the Iroquois did declare war on the Kuikuro(see last image), this isn’t the worst thing they’ve done. No the worst thing is what they’ve done to Poverty Point. Citadel after citadel has decimated the land of Tahera, splitting the land between the capital and the empire.

Rustaq falls to Maratha, and is promptly put to the torch. Thankfully for the Sultan of Oman, the large amounts of melee units nearby means the city will most likely flip back in a couple turns.

In a short matter of time, Sulu forces have seized on the city of Geelong, preventing the city from being lost to the flames. Further north, Dhar is close to falling as well, which would really help Sulu after the stumbling they had last week.

The Qin are almost finished burning Macao down, and are bringing their army to bear against Canton now.  They also decide to joni Geronimo in DoWing Australia, because everyone seems to like Australia as much as they like not burning cities.

The Australian navy is able to save Bunbury from being swept off the map, though Papua’s navy might have something to say about that.North of the city, Maimbung continues to burn, countless citizens dying because Papua doesn’t want nice things.

In a shocking turn of events, Korea manages to take Mutoray from the Evenks. The Reindeer Archers of the Evenks are little match for the wooden ships of the Koreans. Elsewhere, Korea begins to attack Haida anew, with Tlell securely under their thumb.

Maratha still holds onto Rustaq for now, but the city is at least, no longer burning. Oman still looks like they could take back the city though, and at that point, Shivaji would have few ways of recapturing the city. Shivaji does however, have cannons, which could make taking down other Oman walls a breeze.

Ragnar founds the city of Kaup in the former Scottish lands, but not on the former ruins of Stirling, which is still occupied by Scottish remnants. The attack on Frankfurt Am Main looks like it’s beginning to peter out, but we shall see if Ragnar can commit more forces to the fight.

Dhar ends up falling into Sulu hands, further cementing the reversal of fortunes that Sulu have been experiencing this part. They had a bad part last week, but the back-to back captures of Geelong and Dhar should boost Sulu fans spirits.

The Goths succeed in taking Bolgharm and promptly burn it to the ground. The air in the cylinder is filled with ash, and the screams of burning civilians. Alaric however, merely plans the next invasion of Horde territory.

In the frozen north, Sami forces have begun to attack Toropets. Ivan, for his part, has sent his forces to surround Árjepluovve. By and large though, the Smai have stronger forces; it's just a matter of whether or not they actually use those forces.

Ragnar succeeds in claiming Frankfurt Am Main, and setting the fire immediately afterwards. While Genghis Khan will probably take the city back, this setback and massive loss of life will hurt the HRE more.

Bombogor decides to switch from reindeer to horses, and proceed to take both Mutoray and Taejon. And while he does set the Korean city on fire, it will hopefully allow the settler on the far left of the screen to move in and settle a true Evenks city there.  He also decides that fighting the Nenets is a fool’s errand, and makes peace with them.

The city of Bunbury is just a smoldering husk now, all survivors fleeing the carnage. Hawke vows to avenge those lost in the blaze. Rajapapua, on the other hand, watches to ensure that Maimbung shares the same fate.

Yes you’re seeing this right folks. The Nenets have repelled the attacks on their city, and have almost broken down the walls of Erema. Ablai Khan has fallen before due to bad showings in war, and while he’s started to climb back up, the loss handed to him by the Nenets would be embarrassing.

New Zealand forces have captured the final Murri coastal city, leaving Gambu as just a single city state between three competent civs. It’s unknown if Seddon will push into the mainland from here, but if he does, don’t expect to see the Murri much longer.

I’ll admit, I didn’t even know this was a war that was going on, but it looks like Zimbabwe managed to settle a small city off the coast of North Africa. And though the Songahi went to war over this, it seems like Zimbabwe made peace at the right time, as Askia had gotten his act together and sent a few ships.

Toropets is on the verge of falling to the Sami. Meanwhile, Ivan has barely made a dent on the city he’s trying to take. This looks good for the Sami, but Eadni decides to burn the city away, it will be less of a benefit for her.

Ragnar has almost finished burning down Frankfurt Am Main, though several HRE forces remain poised to take back the city.Genghis is adamant about keeping this city, but can he take it before the city burns down?

He does it! Frankfurt Am Main remains a city, and in the hands of the HRE. But the city is a shell of its former self, and Ragnar still has forces nearby. The city is in his hands, but it’s nowhere close to safe.In other news: Beta Israel and Madagascar make peace, confirming that large armies mean nothing if you can’t fight wars good.

Speaking of “can’t fight wars good”, The Kazahks lose a city to the Nenets of all people. When asked about the loss of the city, a spokesperson for Ablai Khan said it was due to inferior potassium, and that forces with superior potassium would retake the city soon.

Here we see a shot of the Manx as well as parts of Western Europe. The Manx have a well sized force of Pikemen and crossbowmen, and while that might be good to fight the HRE, the Moors might be a different story. Venice meanwhile, has both cannons and muskets, and with that citadel near Regensburg, Dandolo could be setting up for an easy attack.

In what can only be called a slap in the face to Papua, Australia has rebuilt Bunbury in the exact same place the old one stood. But for the troops of Papua, this is only another challenge. Meanwhile, the Murri prepare to make their stand at Boobarran Ngummin, their only remaining city.

While Genghis Khan seems to have held off the Vikings for now, other civs are taking steps to increase their own standing. Eadni has set up a new city in the place of Stettin, which will serve as a useful base for future attacks on Prussia.

Oman maintains control of Rustaq! This isn’t a shock, considering the amount of melee units they had. What’s more surprising to me is the lack of Maratha forces trying to reclaim it. Maratha might be strong now, but if it continues to rest on its laurels, it won’t do them any favors.

And we end this part with a shot of Uruguay’s core. The blue and gold boys are top of the pack in a lot of stats, and at this point, have no real rivals nearby.Can anything stop Uruguay? Will the civs stop burning all their conquests to the ground? Who will be the next to fall? Tune in next week, and hopefully some of those questions will be answered! This has been u/Msurdej, good night and I’ll see you on the PRCast.