Re: Hyborian War

From: snake6283@aol.com (Snake6283)

Date: Tue, 18 Jul 1995 00:00:00 +0000

I'm agree with most of mgauthie@access.awinc.com 's assessments.  He
puts it very clearly and makes a convincing argument.
    I hadn't thought about Hyperborea being a defensive kingdom, but that
is what they are, since their best troop is for defense only.  They would
be extremely difficult to take out.  I hope to have some luck with that in
my Brythunia game.  I have seen Hyperborea bide its time though, and do
some incredible damage to a first place ranked Asgard too, so they don't
lack for offensive strength as well, but it resides heavily in their
magic.
    I agree that Zamora's biggest threat is Brythunia.  I think the
opposite is also true.  Zamora is Brythunia's biggest threat.  I must
qualify this statement of course.  The reason is this.  Brythunia has one
capable diplomat at the start.  A good Zamora player will kill that
character on turn two or three, leaving Brythunia open to attack from
Nemedia.  This would in essence destroy him.  But Corinthia is a very
close second in threat to Zamora.  There is no reason NOT to attack
Zamora, and the capital sitting just over the border is very tempting.
    I'll agree that the idea of going right at Khitai seems foolhardy with
a kingdom like Hyrkania.  Typically, Kusan wants to be friends with
Khitai, and they can be a thorn in the side of an expanding Hyrkania.  I
have yet to play Hyrkania, but I definitely was considering that my main
option.  To go over the top of the Vilayet to get their imperial goal
immediately gets them Brythunia and Hyperborea as an enemy.  The only
logical place to go is Khitai.
    I would like some clarification from Marc regarding his Kusan can't
win with Khitai in good shape statement.  I have seen and heard of several
second place finishes by Kusan, and wonder if he's seen a successful
Kusan, or if he knows what it takes to win it.  I played them my first
game, and have longed for a make good game as Kusan ever since.  Please
e-mail me, or post here, doesn't matter, if you read this Marc, or anyone
else who has ideas on this issue.
    As for Stygia, I think they have all the help they need to start with,
even against Shem.  They have a very capable diplomatic corps, some
fearsome Black Death wizards, decent intrigue, and reincarnate spells to
keep these people alive. If they kill off Shem's ONE diplomat, Shem will
be at their mercy for an entire set of war seasons.  If it is a long
enough set, then Stygia could have taken care of some of their other
enemies.  But if Kush and Shem are able to avoid the peace treaty, and
work together, Stygia would fall in short order.
    I was beginning to wonder if I was the only one who thought so highly
of Turan. I think they are the best kingdom in the game, as far as a
balance of court, military, and expansion ability.  If they focus their
efforts on one enemy at a time, early in the game when their enemies have
other concerns, they should do very well.
    Finally, I think that Kambulja is at the mercy of Khitai.  If Khitai
concentrates on them early, they should be able to wipe them out.  Even if
they attack them later on or simply peace them off, Kambulja is a one
trick pony, so to speak.  If they can't get in to Khitai, they can't win
the game.

References

Re: Hyborian War
mgauthie@access.awinc.com (Marc L. Gauthier)
Mon, 17 Jul 1995 00:00:00 +0000