I have been delaying this Let's Play for far too long now. However, my motivation for a „and this turn ...“ „and that turn...“ writeup was rather low and with the most interesting things happening on Desura's messaging system outside of Dom3 I figured I might try a different approach, centering around the major stages that followed the early game.
Around turn 13, everything was building up towards a war against Bogarus. Mictlan, positioned in the far South-West, was anxious about being swallowed and Midgard agreed that only a cooperative effort would stop Bogarus from becoming unstoppable. Ulm was approached to join and I offered to supply all nations with gems and money as I couldn't send troops of my own.
The world was a powderkeg so to say and everyone was waiting for someone to ignite it. The decision was taken from us around turn 16, when Bogarus decided to attack Mictlan. This was not ideal, as we still hadn't completely convinced Ulm to join forces with us and it would take them a few turns to move into position. Still, Midgard decided to attack and I moved more funds to Mictlan, hoping it would enable them to fight longer.
At the same time I kept expanding steadily in the North, claiming the last independent provinces. Oh and you remember how I said I was having too much good luck? Well in turn 17 this happened:
Say hello to Bogus and friends:
In Detail:
Bogus,
Fadmargast,
Kreon,
Fang and
Kartuk.
This is somewhat of a joke event, based on a DnD party one of the developers of Dominions 3 had run way back. In combat however, these guys are terrifying and without powerful spells or tons of elite units I won't be able to dislodge them from the province in the foreseeable future. Luckily it didn't it a province of terrible importance and when I get access to powerful spells like "enslave" I might even be able to "recruit" these guys for my own cause.
The north-west provinces proved to be somewhat trouble-some as the independent stacks were more potent than expected and it seemed as if Caelum would take the rich province before me. I reminded them on our agreement from the earliest terms (the river would mark our border) and surprisingly they agreed to leave the province be, even offering to take it for me and leaving it undefended. I am not sure if it was meant to be a show of force or just kindness but I accepted the offer as I had nothing to loose.
So far I had no active contribution in this war. I had been talking to all parties, making sure everyone knew who the real enemy is (i.e. not me). I was even considering supplying Bogarus at one point, just to make sure the war lasts long enough, as whoever prevail will have gained massively. But I could only sit by idly for so long and needed to think about my own expansion. None of the options I had, Caelum, Midgard or Jomon, were particularly ideal. Both Caelum and Midgard were able to field troops that hurt me and I had been on rather friendly terms so far. Not that I trust them but sometimes it is good to have friends in this game, if only for a short time. Jomon was a better target with it's troops while impressive not being up to mine. But there are only two possible avenues to move my army through and the terrain meant any reinforcements would be slow to come in as well.
But then around turn 20 Jomon was beginning to move troops. Ulm had voiced concern that Jomon might try and take Ulm's exposed rear while his force was fighting Bogarus and I had assured them that I would attack Jomon if such would happen. However, instead of outright warning Jomon I just inquired if they were planning to attack me. I also might have mentioned how Ulm was concentrating their war efforts in the South-West. Of all options, Jomon was probably the best expansion target for me, considering that they didn't border with anyone else. Them attacking Ulm would make conquest a lot easier.
I began strengthening my army and recruiting Wardens: Stealthy knights that I would send behind enemy lines to attack weakly defended provinces and cut off their resources. But again, the initiative was taken from me when Jomon attacked Ulm in turn 21, forcing me to act earlier than expected. I began moving my armies to the borders and ordered my raiding parties to cross the borders, hoping Jomon's impressive border patrols would not see them. Things were complicated by Bogarus accusing me on the forums of master-minding the war against him and promising gold and gems to everyone who'd go against me. This would mean that at least Jomon would be better supplied than expected and maybe even prompt Caelum to attack me.
Unfortunately one of my raiding parties was intercepted and wiped out when crossing the borders to Jomon. I would be suprised if Jomon hadn't seen the writing on the wall already but now it was obvious. Whatever he thought, the next turn would see the first major battle between the Kingdom of Man and the Daymos of Jomon.
Graphs at the end of turn 24
Bogarus had taken a major dive in provinces, with Ulm and Midgard gaining the most and Mictlan was slowly recovering. A small war had been taking place between Arcoscephale and Atlantis without a clear victor. It is of no interest to me yet as both of them are to the far West and the war seems to be self-contained so far.
Bogarus downwards trend continues in the income graph, as many of this most valuable provinces were hit and his patrols either killed or forced to retreat. I have finally taken the lead a nation of tax-collectors and bureaucrats deserves. My site searching has paid off as well and I'm in a slight lead in terms of gems.
But Bogarus is far from beaten as instead of fighting on multiple fronts, he has been giving territory willingly, focusing on his giant army of doom. Both his army size and his research have hardly taken a dent and there is no way anyone will be able to stand against his main army in an open fight.
Bonus footage
This is Bogarus main army. It's big, it's scary and it has a scary spell casters. Let's just hope they run out of fuel eventually.