Operation "Backstab"

[Dreylin]

What if we move everything else up? Do you think they'd be more likely to reinforce Mutal (which doesn't look to be under threat) Chichen (which will after we move the galleys) or the South where are stack is?

Basically, if we make offensive moves in the South, can we draw their attention away from our real goals in the centre?

[sooooo]

Hmmm, but that won't give us line of sight into Mutal.
I suggest to put the Mutal Raiding Party onto the Iron Hill 2SW of Mutal.

mh

We have a sentry HA so we can see into Mutal from that tile.

[mostly-harmless]

We have a sentry HA so we can see into Mutal from that tile.

Ah! Good. Missed that detail.

mh

[ZPVCSPLFUIFDPEF]

What happens if Imperio moves their stack 1S onto the road, but doesn't attack Acre?

[Sullla]

If there's still time to discuss this, I'd move the stack as we originally planned. The wheat tile is directly next to Damascus, and extremely threatening. Down there in the south, we have at least some slight plausibility for moving on Templars...

[Kodii]

Original plan, as per Sullla's reason

[sunrise089]

Ok Sullla, I can accept that reasoning.

The question is how much to cover our workers with. We have a pair of maces already assigned to that tile, since they can't make it to the main army's tile. We also have a few more units in Constantinople that can move up but not cover the maces (the threaten-Constantinople-only group). Imperio can attack the workers with their knight, and then 6 units out of Damascus (mustket, pair of wounded maces, pair of pikes, longbow). I would guess covering the workers with 2 pikes and 2 maces would be enough, but it won't be if Imperio wants to trade the city for the workers.

[sooooo]

Those few units will be fine. No need to spend too many troops guarding workers.

[shadyforce]

I'm pretty sure Imperio won't declare war to nab any exposed workers in peacetime. From their perspective, they'd have to be pretty damn certain you were stabbing them. If they were suspicious but not certain, I don't think they would blow any chance of peaceful cooperation and the chance to get those cities off you just on a hunch, even a strong hunch.

In fact perhaps leaving workers near imperio unguarded might ease Imperio suspicions a little. I know that I would probably trust an 'ally' more if they were leaving workers, cities, etc exposed than one who didn't appear to trust me and kept our borders (and in this case workers) closely guarded.

[Sullla]

Why would Imperio trade a city for two workers? I think the two maces will be plenty, or maybe add one pike at the most. We know that the two workers are critical to our plan, but they certainly don't. I have a hard time seeing Imperio declaring war on us at all; they might be suspicious, but I highly doubt they actually want a war with our team.

Also, 30 minutes left on the timer. I'm guessing sunrise will log in shortly on his lunch break, but I can cover the moves if he's not available.

[Broker33]

This is exciting.....cry havoc let loose the hounds

[Zeviz]

I am probably late, but I am in the "cover workers as weakly as possible" camp. It looks good and they will not declare just for two workers.

[Dreylin]

sunrise is in now - and so is Banana....

[Broker33]

Well since I am here I suppose I can put in my two cents.

I wouldn't cover the workers or cover them weakly simply to say. Nothing to see here just minding my own business.

It may confuse them....large stack, unprotected workers. And as I see it confusion that may cause a delay of one turn is what you need.

I also doubt they will attack for just two workers. What would be thier excuse ...We thought you were going to attack us so we broke our deal??

[Kodii]

Well since I am here I suppose I can put in my two cents.

sunrise has already played