Civ Battle Royale

Episode 38: Entering the Endgame – S1

March 17, 2020

Jmangelo

3

Audio Narration

Abstract

The show enters the Endgame phase of the competition as the remaining competitors start anew to determine which civilization will be the last one standing.

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CBR In-Game Screenshot of EndGame

1: EndGame

Welcome to the Civilization Battle Royale X: Endgame. For those who were not following along with the news regarding the CBRX, there was a crash somewhere along the process which culminated in Episode 37. Rather than allow the game to crash with the amount of civilizations we had to plan for and rebuild the Battle Royale from scratch, the BR has instead been saved from a year long hiatus with the concept of “Endgame.” Now, all 33 surviving civilizations from rump states like Nepal and superpowers like the Iroquois will start from the Ancient or Classical Era. Rather than give everyone an equal playing field, they have been given different bonuses (or lack thereof) based on their performance during the first 37 episodes of the CBRX. Some have even had their capitals relocated based on the damage they sustained throughout the BR. It is not an equal playing field; however, the game has once again become ANYONE’S game. Some strong powers may collapse, whilst others may defy all expectations. This is /u/JMAngelo67, and welcome to Endgame.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of The World We Once Knew

2: The World We Once Knew

This was the last map of Episode 37 before the beginning of Endgame. Use this as a litmus test for the success of civs and an understanding of their bonuses for this episode.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of The World As We Now Know It

3: The World As We Now Know It

This is the world as we know it now. I do not want to dwell on the maps for too long, as this is mainly here for you to visualize the world as a whole this episode. Take note of how barren Oceania is of any civilization, as well as the cluster in Siberia and the empty Germany and France in Europe.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of A List of Eliminations

4: A List of Eliminations

So we are down to thirty three civilizations, but what happened to the last 28? Well, by observing this chart made by /u/Aaron_Lecon, we have the answer in minimalist terms. Let us all take a moment of silence to commemorate those we lost before reaching this point. Specifically Libya.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of The Only Time It Doesn’t Totally Matter

5: The Only Time It Doesn’t Totally Matter

The Iroquois by the end of Episode 37 were the top dog according to the power rankers. I find it hard to disagree with them, with the top 3 being a clear definition far and away from the rest of the cylinder; however, I will note that despite their bonuses from their performance that the Iroquois are no longer necessarily the Top Dog. Indeed, the Iroquois had their time in the sun and may very well lose it. Only time will tell.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of You Should’ve Gone for the Head

6: You Should’ve Gone for the Head

We begin in the Frozen North with the Vikings and a glance at the Sami. As should be completely obvious by now, the Vikings are empowered by a large military, whilst the Sami are practically desolate. Their bonuses are not displayed as clearly here, but if you wish to get an idea of the bonuses each civilization has for Endgame, just follow this link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zVTibfAc5a2Wg6HHuLTTUklmqiwn1PrErwcaaUM55ko/edit#gid=793763271

CBR In-Game Screenshot of The War In the North

7: The War In the North

Though war has not broken out yet, we see Shikoku, a power that had dominated most of Siberia before being attacked by Qin and being forcibly relocated to Siberia, as well as the Khamug Khanate that had had an expansive early empire with no major attacks to become a frontrunner. Also in this slide are the Evenks in Jura, who barely managed to survive in order to have another shot at expanding in the Frozen North and throw a few punches. We also see a game changing amount of great people for Shikoku to give them an early head start. Also note the large number of Sami units cramming into the fray. One wonders if they will be a player in this already crowded region; however, those great people will be useless without a Sami city to establish themselves in.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of From Island to Continent

8: From Island to Continent

The Haida, who had a more than impressive underdog performance in the early game but a quiet game later on, return to their island home from their beginnings. The Yup’ik meanwhile are the first to two cities in partial thanks to their UU, which can found cities despite being a military unit. Note that the Yup’ik had  been forced on an island in the Bering Strait, and have begun to make headway where the original Yup’ik capital was. They are also one of the four civilizations to found a religion.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Illiam is not Dhone Yet

9: Illiam is not Dhone Yet

The Isle of Mann was not in the best of positions in the original run, as they had a weak Scotland to contend with, later the Vikings, and then an invading Venetian army that stole a city in a peace deal. This time, despite there being a huge army for the Vikings, the Manx have the whole Coal and Iron covered Isles to themselves. What becomes a point of contention for our Triskelion bearing islanders is whether or not their AI will function as well as it had against much stronger opponents. Usually, the Isle of Mann flounders and falls apart due to low aggression and expansion. Will the be the case once again? Or will the production oriented Isle of Mann become a powerhouse?

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Kazakhstan Number One?

10: Kazakhstan Number One?

One of the frontrunners from CBRX did not have an aggressive streak like the Shikoku or the Iroquois, but they still expanded enough to make some serious conquests. Now having even more room to expand than before with extra settlers and a massive force of the Tolu-Batyr horseman UU, the Kazakhs are expected to make way more headway than ever before. VERY NICE!

CBR In-Game Screenshot of You’d THINK we’d have more room...

11: You’d THINK we’d have more room...

Europe is forever cluttered. Since Europe had to be downsized with the rest of the map, civilizations like Venice, which had battered its Central European competition, are now pressed closer to Europe’s perennial rivals, the Goths and Prussia. The Goths definitely have the early advantage with their UUs available and the much larger army, but it could mean nothing if a war does not start, which gives the Prussians and their mid-tech UUs the upper hand. Meanwhile Venice, who shocked everyone by competently settling Italy, attacking the Libyans, HRE, and Czechs, and by getting pieces of the world through peace deals are behind in tech and are worryingly in a position to fail to meet their previously created expectations.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of SAY! Geronimo!

12: SAY! Geronimo!

The Apache are back at it again! Arguably one of the most aggressive civilizations failed to show us what their leader Geronimo was capable of when they… Peacefully rested while the Iroquois duked it out with the larger and defenseless Metis. Funky AI bias rolls happen, and we expect the Apache who have the advantage of not having to worry about the Aztecs, Poverty Point, or Haiti to get blocked in. Now, they can REALLY shine. The Iroquois, despite their massive advantage vis-a-vis bonuses, are actually under a considerable threat if Geronimo gets his military into gear. One wonders if this aggression will be their undoing, but it could make them the Top Dog.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of The Card Says MOOPS!

13: The Card Says MOOPS!

The Moors became not only the Western European Power, but the West African Power as well. After all other Islamic civilizations fell into a pit of incompetence and died horribly, the Moors dug itself out of one of the more isolated starts in the game and grew to control half of the Sahara, France, and battered their attackers. They were always middle of the pack, even amongst the frontrunners. They still have many challenges to overcome, but their impressive performance netted them a significant military and a few extra settlers to start with.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of The Beast in the Middle East and The Horseman

14: The Beast in the Middle East and The Horseman

Palmyra was always considered strong, but we did not expect them to conquer the whole of the Middle East (minus Egypt) so quickly. They had become a top 5 power in mere moments, set to conquer well into Central Asia, South Asia, or Europe… but they didn’t, oddly enough. Their flame had quieted and dimmed, but it still roared as evidenced by the final siege against Mehmed the Unconquerable. Should they be able to replicate their early success, they should be able to expand further and knock out even more neighbours. Even more powerful ones… Zenobia’s Palmyra aside, Mithridates also returns. They were a premiere power in the extremely early game, managing to knock some cities off of the Kazakhs and the Seljuqs; however, they never made it out of their region, barely surviving by the skin of their teeth. Their power is determined by an early advantage with horse units. Come the obsolescence of horses, Parthia requires a large amount of land to make up for a large portion of their uniques meaning nothing to them. They now have more room to expand with the death of  the Seljuqs, but they are at a disadvantage with the Kazakhs and Palmyra having extra settlers. We shall see if their early advantage means anything from here on out.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of STAND WITH HONG KONG. Also the Himalayas

15: STAND WITH HONG KONG. Also the Himalayas

The Canton Pirates, which somehow survived with five cities despite never reaching above ten cities total and having one of  the poorest militaries and stats, somehow resisted the onslaught of the massive Qin. The likelihood of the Canton Pirates surviving a Qin attack right now is terribly low, but that is if the Qin attack. Granted, the Qin started the first war in the very first episode of the BR, attacking the Xia. Likewise, the plucky Canton Pirates killed the Xia, stealing the last city of Yu from Qin in said war. Meanwhile to the west was the last place civilization of the BR before Endgame. Nepal has arguably one of the best UAs in the game, and has had an impressive AI in previous encounters. The CBRX was the exception. Now Nepal, which finished episode 37 with only five tiles for their capital city, has NO bonuses whatsoever for their survival. This is it. They are the Underdog. Their survival, and even success is not impossible. But it needs to happen NOW. He is falling behind before the clock even starts turning, and Prithvi Narayan needs to act fast in order to succeed.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of The Jewel of All Empires.

16: The Jewel of All Empires.

India the civilization managed to survive with their original capital and with a semi-decent position, carving themselves back into the jungles of Delhi. Indira Gandhi, the nuke happy leader, will surely need to act just as fast as Nepal needs to. Their early advantages may be essential, as they can easily take out the barren lands of Nepal but cannot necessarily protect themselves from the breakout star of Southern India, Maratha. Maratha, despite being one of the largest civilizations in the early game, never had a significant and successful war for their efforts. Of their significant wars, they only ever grabbed a few cities, and even lost some to the Southeast Tiger of Taungoo, who is in frame to the east of the slide. Maratha, at the very least, has an insane amount of settlers and should form a large empire quite soon… Hopefully.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Of Geoglyphs and Socialism

17: Of Geoglyphs and Socialism

The Nazca are to the south. One may remember that the Nazca have the rare disadvantage of no unique unit; however, they have the ultra powerful Geoglyph UI…! Which they had no opportunity to use in the CBRX! The Geoglyph, despite being a powerful UI, requires a flat desert tile to build it. They are pretty and are a massive boon to every yield as well as being a source of Golden Age points, but only having a maximum of one due to there being only one flat desert tile in South America crippled their growth. They regardless grew into an impressive empire after killing the Kuikuro, battering the Tongan and New Zealand Oceania holding, and being overall a defensive power with the Andes protecting them. The amount of flat desert to the south has been expanded. One wonders if this will be Nazca's saving grace. With the loss of the Kuikuro, which could hold in the Amazon permanently in the longest war in the CBRX, South America may turn more violent as the Jungles are torn down much faster and there is no longer a small civilization to bully. Venezuela lead by Hugo Chavez was in a much better position than most during CBRX. They had to contend with arguably the worst civ in the game (Haiti, which did surprisingly well for once), and a weak Aztecs. They still barely managed to scrape out their gains in each war, but were still massive.  Now that they have no Haitian revolutionaries to forward settle their capital. They now have a great chance at becoming the main rival to Uruguayan expansion.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of The Sahara’s Last King and Africa’s Last Warlord

18: The Sahara’s Last King and Africa’s Last Warlord

Benin is home to Ewuare. He bested larger and more powerful civilizations despite a poor start, and was an ironclad hellhole for any would be aggressor. Nubia is home to Piye, a hottie with a penchant for sand and arrows. Benin has the entirety of West Africa and the Sahel to take now that the Songhai are gone, and they seem set to take it with their expansion reset to something that is hopefully even better than their previous performance. Nubia meanwhile still can barely hold on in the desert, but have an amazing opportunity to get a running start in the Mediterranean. For fans of the Nubian King, one hopes that they won’t focus so much on archers this time and actually build a competent city taking military.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Baba Yetu Mother****ers!

19: Baba Yetu Mother****ers!

Welcome to the Swahili Coast! One of the superpowers of CBRX, Zimbabwe finds themselves back down to one city once again. Like Nepal, they have one of the best uniques in the game. Unlike Nepal, Zimbabwe was a massive African empire with too few enemies to counter them. Meanwhile, Madagascar had been the second smallest civilization in all of Africa, behind only Libya before it had died. The power dynamic between the two is a huge disparity, but Madagascar gets a strange buff that they did not have before. Despite being defensible in their large island beforehand, Antananarivo was in the center of the island and the civilization could not expand out of Madagascar without settling its coast. Now they are automatically coastal, and may have more expansion opportunities this time. We shall see if that means anything in the long run, but my heart goes out to the Malagasy in their Queen’s attempt at world domination.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Welcome to the Outback!

20: Welcome to the Outback!

Australia had a problem in CBRX. A few, actually. Some polyps named Papua, Murri, New Zealand, and Sulu. Three of these polyps have been purged, and the biggest polyp of New Zealand has been transferred to a different continent. Now ALL of the Australian continent is accessible to Bob Hawke and ONLY Bob Hawke… At least, that’s what the Aussies are hoping for. So, what do you want me to say? They have to keep fighting? Sure they do, but they also have the most significant amount of land readily available to them. They have been granted the opportunity to be Number 1 in the Power Rankings just by existing.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Speaking of a Polyp...

21: Speaking of a Polyp...

New Zealand is here to fight off the enlightened Uruguayans. Can they succeed where the Old God worshipping Selk’nam failed? That has yet to be seen, as the Uruguay bonuses are massive in thanks to consistently being a top 2 power often ranked at Number 1. Unlike most island civilization, though, King Dick Seddon of New Zealand is a powerful underdog capable of taking on the toughest of situations. As a narrator, I will admit that I do not like their chances; however, I will not count them out JUST yet.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Let the Endgame… BEGIN!

22: Let the Endgame… BEGIN!

Despite not getting a proper look at the Metis before the games have truly started (long story short, it was a HUEG civilization that couldn’t fight all too well but survived and got bonuses for being hueg), the first move by both the Apache and the Iroquois is to establish their mutual borders. The Iroquois would have to cross a lot of river before reaching the Apache, but they also have a horde of their UUs. The Apache need to be careful if they want to take on the Iroquois.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Dropping the Bombay on Maratha

23: Dropping the Bombay on Maratha

India makes the first move over Maratha with a deep forward settle against Maratha. Like the Apache, the fear for India is that their more powerful rival won’t attack them; however, unlike the Apache Maratha has not settled its second city and is far less aggressive than the Iroquois. Could this be the beginning of India’s meteoric rise? Or will it be the beginning of Indira’s end?

CBR In-Game Screenshot of WAR! What is it Good For?

24: WAR! What is it Good For?

The first war has broken out only FIVE turns in! Tha Taungoo, a large empire from CBRX, and India, who settled south, are attacking the barren Himalayas of Nepal. Though there are no units here just yet aside from a damaged Taungoo swordsman, the hordes of units the South Asian Tigers may produce are always going to overwhelm the tiny Nepalese nation.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Ahoy, Metis!

25: Ahoy, Metis!

At last! A shot of the Metis core! Louis Riel settles Saint-Boniface to the south of Batoche, bordering the Apache, but not settling too far from the capital. Could Louis Riel be amping up for a new aggressive tone? Or can the Apache react promptly and punish Louis for his arrogance?  Also, Palmyra builds the Terracotta Army, getting a head start on their military to make up for any lagging behind against the stronger civs.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Forward Settling: A Betting Man’s Game

26: Forward Settling: A Betting Man’s Game

Berlin is equidistant between Konigsberg, the Prussian capital, and Arnheimar, the Gothic capital. This move harkens to my earlier comment: If the Goths declare war now, they will have a great amount of momentum before facing a larger threat. If they do not, the Prussians will have the advantage. This is a waiting game, everyone...

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Life to Hugo

27: Life to Hugo

Maracaibo is settled south, unlike the original Maracaibo which was settled westward towards the Panamanian Isthmus. I have to say, this move is probably the better of the early moves Venezuela can take. It is better to establish yourself in South America to limit Uruguay’s settling potential as opposed to building a large empire in barren lands first.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of How to Settle and How to not Settle

28: How to Settle and How to not Settle

Nubia settles Meroe north and is ONE tile away from reaching the Mediterranean. What a shame, as Piye chose to settle the Red Sea rather than the arguable more valuable Mediterrranean. Zenobia, meanwhile, settles Antioch in the second most fertile part of the Levant on the coast of the Mediterranean. Though Nubia can move for the Arabian Peninsula, Palmyra can much more easily acquire the high yield Balkans and Crete.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of How to Calculate the Odds

29: How to Calculate the Odds

Salto is settled right next to New Zealand, Auckland right next to Wellington. New Zealand will start incredibly small, whilst Uruguay has the potential to start incredibly wide. What Uruguay does not have is units in Salto, and a surprise attack could give New Zealand a free, albeit cheap city.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Horse Tranquilizer

30: Horse Tranquilizer

Parthia decided to settle conservatively and away from the coast, instead opting for the Caspian Sea. Palmyra settles Circesium, a city which would be invaluable in starting an Asian based navy in the Persian Gulf. What is important to note is that the Goths and Palmyra have declared war on Mithridates; however, also important is the distance between the three civs is a bit too far to call this war significant. For now, we expect that this war will lead to nothing, or perhaps a waste of resources for the three civilizations. Notable aside from the war is a Gothic settler in Anatolia. That may spell trouble for Palmyra… Or the Goths.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of What Awaits in the Himalayas? Rice? Or Your Death?

31: What Awaits in the Himalayas? Rice? Or Your Death?

Kathmandu is surrounded by warriors and swordsmen, mostly of the Indian variety. The Taungoo swordsman is dying. Despite the obvious danger, Kathmandu is undamaged and has no immediate threat just yet. The Qin may be ending any hopes at a Nepalese underdog game with the settling of Yongcheng, which has taken a portion of the Northern Himalayas from the mountain focused Nepal.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Gonayiv Is Gone… Ayiv.

32: Gonayiv Is Gone… Ayiv.

Gonayiv was the Haitian forward settle directly against Caracas. It hindered Venezuelan growth, but now Venezuela has settled Valencia in its place. Once again establishing a South American empire before a Central American one. Nazca also establishes some level of friendship with Venezuela, as they are trading by caravan now.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of First Blood? Is this our Tony Stark?

33: First Blood? Is this our Tony Stark?

Nepal is taking a beating being surrounded by more Taungoo Swordsmen. Kathmandu’s chances of survival are plummeting faster and faster by the second. Will their inclusion even matter by the end of Episode 1 of Endgame?

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Life is Hard

34: Life is Hard

Whilst the Goths build the invaluable Statue of Zeus and the Iroquois build the arguably less important Pyramids, Kathmandu falls to yellow, not killing any of the surrounding units from the previous slide. Despite a lack of attacks by the ever growing Indian force, this seems like a collapse of our favourite red civ. For my fellow Nepal fans, this may be our Deathknell.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of OR IS IT?

35: OR IS IT?

In a dastardly backstab, the Taungoo turn their attention to India with the aid of Maratha! What seemed like a definite death for Prithvi Narayan’s mountain dwellers has turned into a roaring offensive against Indira Gandhi. And as the Taungoo nation grows, Maratha saves its settlers for its hopefully bright future in the Battle Royale. Sidenote, Prussia builds the Parthenon.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Our Tony Lives On

36: Our Tony Lives On

I expect Iron Man memes soon.

The Taungoo swordsman melts in Nepal, whilst the civ expands its military by adding an archer to it. It’s small, but it’s a start. As Benin builds the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one wonders just how bloody the Indian subcontinent will become in this Endgame.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of And now it’s time to say goodbye to all our company

37: And now it’s time to say goodbye to all our company

One last shot of Nepal, before we get to the wars in Europe. Whilst the Haida complete Gobekli Tepe far in the Americas, Nepal survives by the skin of its teeth. Its story is not over yet. They are now safe with no enemies in its territory. This is a time for growth for Nepal, now it just needs to expand. What a dramatic turn of events!

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Is This War Relevant?

38: Is This War Relevant?

The Palmyrenes and Venetians have declared war on Prussia. I imagine they are upset because they have Mediterranean cities, but could not build the Mediterranean wonder of the Parthenon because of Frederick’s sudden reverence for Athena.

 “What a dick,” said Zenobia. “Hey Enrico, did you see that?”

“No” Enrico replied, “I’m blind.”

“...Right, want to kill Frederick though?”“Yeah, sure. Where is he?”

“Somewhere up North.”

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Bombing Bombay

39: Bombing Bombay

Bombay falls to Maratha! This backstab against India has worked wonders for Maratha, though the Taungoo have seemingly fizzled out for no good reason around India, but are sending a horde of swordsmen Nepal’s way. Is Kathmandu destined to fall? I don’t think I want to find out. Meanwhile, Bob Hawke builds arguably the most important wonder for his civilization in the early game: Petra, making the Outback much more valuable depending on what city it was built in. Less valuable is the wonder built by the Kazakhs, the Gate of the Sun. which provides +15% growth in all cities; however, the majority of boons that it provides to the city and the civilization itself if based on lake tiles, of which there is only one in Kazakh land currently.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of The War In The North: Part 2

40: The War In The North: Part 2

The Shikoku, which have a much larger army in the frozen tundra, have declared a coalition war with the Qin on the Khamug Khanate. Jamukha may be safe considering some of the forests in the way of his city, but he is certainly outmatched if his army is attacked.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of KIWI DETECTED: FINDING PROTOCOL

41: KIWI DETECTED: FINDING PROTOCOL

PROTOCOL FOUND: EXTERMINATE KIWIS.

Uruguay declares war on the much smaller New Zealand. This seems VERY dangerous for our favourite little Kiwis, as they are getting stormed by the Uruguayan horde, which outnumbers most armies on the cylinder, much less Seddon’s. Having a little economic muscle in Cerro Potosi, owned by Auckland, gives New Zealand a decent ramp to grow in some small regard. Losing this, especially so close to Wellington, is fatal to New Zealand. One hopes that Uruguay, which is historically not too powerful in a war in terms of strategic decisions, fails in this offensive. Meanwhile, Shikoku builds the Banaue Rice Terraces which is strictly okay considering the amount of hills in their Siberian territory. Bob Hawke meanwhile builds his second Wonder, the Great Wall, which makes his continent much more defensible until the invention of Dynamite.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of How Can the Metis Beat the Apache? A Thesis

42: How Can the Metis Beat the Apache? A Thesis

It seemed to be a forgone conclusion that the Apache attacking the Metis would result in a loss for the Metis; furthermore, we all seemed to be in agreement that the Apache would declare such a war, not the Metis. We now have observed the success of the Metis in infrastructure and military management, and see that the sudden declaration of war by the Metis was secretly genius. The army is clustered closer to Apache territory, and the Apache’s newest settle of Lepai-nde has no tile improvements to speak of. A simple blitz into this city and Haisndayn will be more than enough for the Metis to call for peace and have a significant empire to start with. Also Venice built Stonehenge. Who cares?

CBR In-Game Screenshot of The War In the North: Part 3

43: The War In the North: Part 3

So like I had said earlier, the Shikoku are moving slowly in the Siberian wastes. Whilst the Evenks have yet to settle their second city in spite of having a settler in a decent location, the Khamug capital of Jadaran is getting pounded by Shikoku catapults, with many units in reserve ready to take out the Khanate for a great momentum shift.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Alliteration Around All

44: Alliteration Around All

Closing Quickly, Inconspicuously, Canadian killers, with Osquake alike a kite, Metis cawing and crooning in lakes. Can Canadian Catapults create a kerfuffle or commotion and conquer all conflicts? Can cantankerous Canucks kill Iroquois conquerors?

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Back in Bombay

45: Back in Bombay

Bombay is on the road to recovery, as the last melee unit in Maratha territory is on death’s door. Given a last strike, Bombay seems firmly in the hands of Maratha.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of How Can the Metis Lose to the Apache? A Thesis

46: How Can the Metis Lose to the Apache? A Thesis

Given a strategic blunder, the conquest of Apache land by the Metis is not necessarily a forgone conclusion. Scholars will point to the dispersal of Metis units into an arc. Rather than attacking a single, or indeed just two cities directly, Louis Riel could conquer Apache land. If they fail to do so, then there is no means of upward progression and momentum for these North American actors.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Ibn Battuta Does Math

47: Ibn Battuta Does Math

Ibn Battuta took on the daunting task of counting every soldier and weighing the mean of armour values to calculate the strength of each army in the world. Thanks Ibn Battuta. We notice that the Qin, who are at war with the Khamugs, have by far the largest military. The Moors and Iroquois are not as large, but are far away enough from the Qin that their military strength’s disparity does not matter. They are therefore powerhouses militarily compared to other civilizations. Uruguay, partially due to a war with New Zealand, are in a surprising 7th with the Vikings only 1 unit score point behind in 8th. This is the early war determination of strength amongst the civilizations. Use this chart for you prediction contests, it could be useful.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Purple Disappointment

48: Purple Disappointment

Venice has yet to settle a second city. Despite banging on Danzig’s doorstep, their military presence is not significant enough or strong enough to be a legitimate threat. Enrico, what are you doing? Take up more cities in Italy! You have to if you want to move forward!

CBR In-Game Screenshot of How Scholars Doubt Themselves For No Reason. A Thesis

49: How Scholars Doubt Themselves For No Reason. A Thesis

Louis Riel proved me wrong. I doubted myself for no good reason and look where it got me. The Metis have taken Lepai-nde, and now they’re set to take the Apache captial with another assault! If they move forward now, I suppose it’s time to say GERONIMO for Geronimo.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of OwO, where’s Owo?

50: OwO, where’s Owo?

Owo has yet to be settled by Benin. A tragedy. Truly we are in the Dark Ages. We do have a settler of Benin in the Chad/Central African Republic region of the Sahara. Napata is also undefended, whilst Benin’s army is growing. There is a decent chance that Benin could take Napata if they act now.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Pouty Purple Failure

51: Pouty Purple Failure

I have been wanting to talk about this for the past three slides. Parthia was under NO threat. Yet they went to peace with the Goths and gave away their second city. So close to their capital, this could be a gravemarker for the Parthia fans. Where can you go but down after losing arguably one of your more important cities?

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Progress to Kiwi Enlightenment… 80%

52: Progress to Kiwi Enlightenment… 80%

Auckland is set to fall within the turn if Uruguay keeps up the offensive. Will Cerro Potosi fall to the hands of Lavalleja? Will Seddon be able to recover in spite of these conditions? I am afraid that the latter will never occur. But more importantly… Who lost their capital just now?

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Japanese Mongols

53: Japanese Mongols

Naruhodo… The Khamugs fell to the Shikoku. There will be no Shikokoof THIS episode. Rather, Shikoku have proven to be a true Shikokarel. The Khamugs losing their capital is debilitating. Thankfully for Jamukha, a former top 3 power, he still has a city west of his now former capital. He is not out of the race yet, but he is certainly not in the best position to survive from here. With such a small military, the chance of Khamug recovery is low.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Enlightenment Attained… ERROR

54: Enlightenment Attained… ERROR

Auckland has fallen to Uruguay, showing a momentous shift in power in favour of Lavalleja. Should Lavalleja continue to flex that muscle south, Uruguay would have an uncontested control over the Southern Cone, which is resource rich. Will the Enlightened of Uruguay take Wellington? Such a move is yet to be seen.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of I want to Uselu the Nile River

55: I want to Uselu the Nile River

Benin founds Uselu, gaining a position on the Nile River and stealing essential pieces of fertile land from Piye. Ewuare has not established himself in this region, but by crippling Nubian production by taking the forests of the South, he will likely face little resistance should he want to make a push into Nubia in the future.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Lemme See Your War Face!

56: Lemme See Your War Face!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgOaT4xzdvo

Fun aside, the Apache are consolidating their forces around their capital and expanding south, creating a coastal city near the delta of a river, but not on it (not necessarily the best choice, but not the worst). By expanding South, the Apache by themselves time to consolidate east, but by moving all their troops to their capital, they also benefit from hopefully saving their capital from a surging Metis Menace.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of The War of the Wildmen

57: The War of the Wildmen

The Barbaric Vikings have one of the largest militaries in the world, but they are under a decent threat. The Sami, in spite of having only one city, are still one of the stronger powers in this early game. Their military rivals the Vikings, but they do not have the production power to make up for it. Because of this, they have brought in a powerful ally. The GOTHS!.... Yeah, it was a bad move. The Goths are too far removed to be of any help in this conflict, especially when they are also at war with the Prussians. Good luck Grandma! You’re going to need it!

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Geronimo = Private Pyle

58: Geronimo = Private Pyle

Geronimo is failing to defend his territory as the Metis pound on Haisindayin’s doors. For the two units defending the capital, there are eight units right outside the capital ready to reinforce any fallen attackers. Though the Apache would more than  likely survive this episode, their chances at aggressively expanding and fighting their rivals is a flame to be snuffed out.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Nubian Banana Peel

59: Nubian Banana Peel

The Nubian Banana Peel is a funny concept. In most situations, the Nubians slip on the banana peel that they had set up. In others, their enemy slips on the banana peel and the Nubians stumble forward into a better position than the one they were in before. The Nubians have presented a paradox. Did Benin slip on the banana peel by settling Uselu so close to Nubia, or did Nubia slip by declaring war on Benin? Nubia’s unit composition, as is their trademark, is heavily ranged focused. As in, the ability of the Nubians to take a city is low; however, Benin has only one warrior in Uselu to defend it, and much of the military has moved elsewhere. Time will tell who has slipped on the banana peel. Also the Moors decided to get in on it because why not?

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Can they pull it off?

60: Can they pull it off?

Haisndayin has fallen to half health, with nary a unit to protect it. On the bright side for the Apache, all the melee units around Haisndayin are about to die, and may not be able to take the city. On the not-so bright side, the Apache military is far removed from Haisndayin, and Metis reinforcements are close behind to take the city regardless of how well the city defends itself.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Come on, leave the little guy alone!

61: Come on, leave the little guy alone!

Without coming to terms with India, Maratha have declared war on Nepal. Meaning the tiny mountainous city-state is under even greater threat in spite of the Taungoo army absolutely surrounding an insofar undamaged Kathmandu. Not only that, a Nepalese settler is out in the open, ready to be stolen away by the Taungoo. Nepal is struggling in the early game, and I can only pray that they will not end up like the Xia from the pre-Endgame.Also, Maratha settles Pune in Balochistan, meaning that he seems to be settling more westward than eastward so far. Whether this trend will continue remains to be seen.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of Hold the Gates!

62: Hold the Gates!

Haisndayin holds… for now. The city itself was on the verge of collapse, but the Apache military has arrived just in time to guard the city from any future assaults. Regardless of the outcome of Haisndayin, the Metis have easily won this war, and Geronimo is on the ropes.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of The War In the North: Part 4

63: The War In the North: Part 4

I am not creative with titles. The War In The North grows as the Evenks, a small one city civ yet to settle their second city, wages war on the crippled Khamugs. The Race for Eighth was something I coined in Mk 2.1, which became a tied position. Now I wonder… Is this the Race for 33rd? Because Nepal is getting battered just as hard as the Khamugs, and their survivability is dismally low. So… Place your bets!

CBR In-Game Screenshot of The Race is Cancelled!

64: The Race is Cancelled!

Except the Race is not necessarily going to happen! Despite the Kazakhs also declaring a war on the Khamugs, the Khamugs have founded a second city towards the Kazakhs. This could be a boon to the flailing civilization

CBR In-Game Screenshot of A Toast to the Endgame!

65: A Toast to the Endgame!

A Golden Age has dawned with the birth of Endgame. Drink some champagne, and prepare for voting for CBRX S2 while this happens. We are not going anywhere. We are not done. This is the Battle Royale.

CBR In-Game Screenshot of And for our final slide...

66: And for our final slide...

We didn’t get a shot of the Canton Pirates this episode. Kind of like the Nenets, I suppose. They weren’t seriously examined due to a lack of events regarding them this episode. Our last shot is of Wellington, getting battered by The Enlightened. Will New Zealand fall? Can the Khamugs recover? Can Nepal dig itself out of a grave? Will we get a shot of the Canton Pirates? Will Uselu be the center of what defines the next African power? Will Madagascar be in more than an intro slide? Stop by next time to find out!