Big sparse game AAR

[Casus_Belli]

BigSparse has reached its tenth turn, and is progressing well. Rounds are turning over regularly and quickly, which keeps the game lively, especially in these early turns. No doubt things will slow down considerably as the game gets more complex. We set this game up deliberately to be hard for all four players, with only 15 or so cities on a 100x100 map, a lot of water, hardcore logistics, weather and 500% costs.

After one false start, we have been playing on a very interesting-looking map with several continents, inland seas, and what seems to be a crucial naval corridor - should be ripe for contestation. Diplomatics were selected and players should remember that they are not obliged to be at war with one another. Alliances are allowed and, I guess, need not be announced. (Students of international relations theory will be interested to see whether real-world balancing and bandwagoning are replicated in-game. If so, this would make AT the first hex game I've heard of to come close to modelling real-world grand strategy.)

So far there has not been any contact (that I'm aware of) as players race to grab as many cities as they can. One player, Hindu Church, seems to have opted for developing his home base before expanding. Time will tell if this is an effective strategy. There look to be a couple of races on for the remaining uncolonised cities, so there may be fighting soon. We see geography dictating strategy, with Reformed Barony, for example, occupying a central band of the map on either side of the above-mentioned corridor. He is clearly in for a challenging time, with several fronts to look out for, a large air/naval component, and complex logistics (guess who? [:(]).

This game looks like developing into something really interesting. I will post occassional reports here (no promises), for anyone who's interested.

[autarkis1967]

To his Eminance Cardinal Serrano,
      In accordance with his divine holiness Pope Sixtus III decree, the documentation on the resurgence of the lords earthly armies upon this blessed world he has given us. With his holinesses guidance the Tribunal has been setup to handle the secular affairs in this land. The Tribunal is overscene by his eminance Cardinal Celio Giovanni, his eminance Cardinal Andrea Macello and of course yourself eminance Cardinal Peitro Serrano.   
      Since the Tribunal has been seated several lesser administrative centers have been created. The Western Brotherhood (Brotherhood) has taken up the administration of the western city Mira city of light. Since arriving there a rebellion has sprung up amongst the landowners. The Brotherhood has mobilized and has this rebellion contained in the north. It is believed that the country known as the Constituted County is behind this rebellion and shipping them arms. In the East 2 Administrative Centers have been organized. The Soldier Deacons of the Tribunal (SOLDAT) have been given jurisdiction over the Eastern City of Quira Doa. Since arriving they have rapidly militarised and have created worker units for the creation of roads and fortification.  The SOLDAT has also organised battle headquarters under it for field duty. The last adminstrative Center is the Church of the Rock (COR). This group has not been given any assignment yet and is still organizing and I hope to give you more information on thier progress at a later time.
      The Tribunal has also setup a trained body of engineers with the authority to build roads and defences in and around Vatican City. The Tribunal has also taken control of and contracted a large number of freighters for moving goods and equipment between the different administrative districts. In all this additional spending has encouraged our economy and the unemployment rate has dropped somewhat.
       The outlook in our holy endeavors is good and no immediate problems or threats have appeared except for the rebellion in the west. The people seem supportive of our administrations. I will update you further of our progress.
                                                                                                         In service
                                                                                                         Deacon Ignatius Papilo 

[autarkis1967]

Letter to Tribunal from Cardinal General Richeliu commander of SOLDAT forces.

   May the lord bless you brothers. The lords work goes well here. Although trained engineers are in short supply we have come up with a few ways to expand our small supply. This is allowing us to begin work on economic as well as defensive installations. Of these defensive installation I would ask for your guidance and permission. Although our recruitment into the more militant orders goes along well it will still be some time before a trained army is fully fielded. Special preparations must be done to make a peacful person into someone who can withstand the riggers of war. To this end I would ask you to allow me to make use of one of our unlooked for resources. Up to this point we have used penal labor for very little. Ditch digging, field tending and whatever distastful job we find ourselves burdened with. I have in mind another distasteful job that can make maximum use of this most undesirable resource.
   One of the hardest things to instill in our recruits is the will to take a life. With prisoners this is rarely a problem most lack a conscience and would as soon kill you as shake your hand. I propose we use this to our own and gods purposes. I would form Penal Battalions to man the forward defenses. With suitable guards and a offer of pardon many of these prisoners may be the manpower we are looking for to hold static defenses. Since this at first may appear to be a very non-dangerous job I believe we will have many 'volunteers'. With special guard units to lead them and the offer of pardon I think we can recruit a large percentage. Since the lord offers us a path to redemption I belive we should in turn offer these men who have made mistakes a path to redemption as well. Please let me know your thoughts on this and if I may begin the task of organizing the penal units.
                                                                                                                      In Service
                                                                                                                      Cardianl General Alphose Richeliu 

[autarkis1967]

General Tribunal Order 542
   As of this date the Tribunal granted authority by Pope Sixtus III does authorize the training and conscripting of prisoners into Penal Battalions. Penal Battalions will be under the authority of the district leadership where they are raised. While these units are to be used in defensive fortifications it will be the duly appointed commader in the field who will decide the best use of said penal battalions. Prisoners in these units will server for 2 years, at the end of thier service they are to be conscidered rehabilitated and assisted back into society or granted permission to join active miliatary units. Penal Battalion makeup will be the jurisdiction of the district commander but may not be better armed and equiped than other regualr battalions under thier command. There may be no more than 1 penal battalion for every 2 regualr battalions in a district.
                                                                                                       Signed
                                                                                                       Cardinals
                                                                                                                    Celio Giovanni
                                                                                                                    Andrea Maello
                                                                                                                    Peitro Serrano

[Casus_Belli]

I have done and sent turn 23
[8|]