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**JungleIII** · August 9, 2008, 06:37

Playing as Khan….

Well, this would not be on my list to ever choose this leader to play, and I prepared for a really, really hard slog game. Khan can’t research well, can’t build wonders well, and can’t make a dime out of lemonade.

So… the only alternative was to build my four power cities, get my Keshiks pumping out and start taking over the neighbour who would be my greatest threat. I beelined it for horseback riding, neglecting all else, then went for the metal tech’s. Unfortunately I just barely missed settling close enough to pick up my Iron resource on the coast and couldn’t get my hands on that until quite late in the BC period.

My first victim was Augustus of Rome. It took a while but, I creamed the first three cities and just after barely taking over the 4th city he took peace and gave me four techs (after just having traded my horseback riding for alphabet to someone the turn before). This conquest put me in the lead, brought my techs up on par with everyone else and made up for lost ground when pumping out units. I don’t see any way else you could play Khan and still win…

Anyway, I kept up the strategy with concentrating only on units through the tech periods with minor stoppages to build up infrastructure such as Forges, barracks, Ger’s, etc. I took on Alexander, and Shaka attacked me, and they eventually both capitulated and were vassalized into the empire. By the time I had Alexander under my umbrella, I had traded my way up to Cavalry. I always kept buddies with Zara of Ethiopia, Cyrus and the sweat Boudicia of the Celts – trading them just about anything, and even giving a few techs their way when appropriately asked for. They were Pleased or Friendly with me too the end.

Now, to the interesting part. Zara of Ethiopia built the Apostolic Palace but only had 5 cities. Before long, I had more Hindu cities then any other one player, and I got elected into the Palace with the help of my vassal votes. But, I could not win a religious victory, because all of the others kept voting for Zara, with me getting only just over ½ of the votes (I think you need 2/3 or ¾). But, I didn’t want to take over Zara, who was an easy target, but had the Palace. Because, if I did – the vote would be between Cyrus and me. He was even more popular than me… and I’m afraid he would get all the remainder of the votes and win, because his territory size was just about as big as me.

At this point, Zara and Boudicia were technologically more advanced then me and were defended with riflemen. But Cyrus, although as large as me, was technologically a twit. So… he was my last victim. I attacked my “Pleased” friend Cyrus, and in usual style, by the second turn of the attack had 3 cities captured. Then an Apostolic vote came up for “diplomatic win”. I knew I had no chance of winning as I hadn’t captured enough cities or vassalized Cyrus yet.

SURPRISE!! Next turn – Cyrus (who I was attacking) voted for me along with my Vassals, and I WON my first Religious Diplomatic Victory ever! I can only assume, Cyrus voted this, as he had been Pleased with me previously AND I was whipping his butt, and it looked hopeless for him, with about 30 Cavalry in his lands. I was amazed an enemy I was attacking would vote for me to win the game.

I will admit, I wasn’t keen on this game – but it did prove out a few strategies and learn a lot along the way in the end. Thanks Rob and Nugog – especially for allowing ANY victory, as this one was out of the blue!

**RobWorham** · August 9, 2008, 18:21

As ever, a great review!!!

**crescentfresh** · August 14, 2008, 20:25

thanks, jungle, for the summary.

**Nugog** · August 14, 2008, 22:04

Originally posted by RobWorham
As ever, a great review!!!

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