The only bright spot to report is that 2 knights came in (immune to 1st strikes) and destroyed their Great General and the other unit.  No losses there. 

The seige of Osaka is going slowly as our trebuchets are too damaged to continue and are healing in enemy territory.  2 more on are the way up with just a pikeman for defense.  I'm a little nervous about that one.  Osaka is well defended too. 

Look how many techs they have on us.  Those are just the ones we can see.  2 levels up on the tree and we won't see those.  We will probably be facing cavalry soon with only musketmen and knights to defend with.

I hate to be the 1st one to say something defeatist, but we have lost 2 cities to superior units.  They will soon have vastly superior units as soon as they drop off cavalry or even "just" curaissiers.  If we make peace with Japan, then the 3 civs (us, Japan and Vikings) will be about the same size as their empire, as far as we can tell from the map so far.  They have naval superiority and will continue to have it with that tech lead.  We will soon have our frigates going against ironsides and destroyers.

The thought of our delicious truffles in their hands scares the hell out of me.  Anyone have any bright ideas?

Now I know why they kept playing Monarch Dynasty games!!!

*continues drowning sorrows in Hooterville*

There's a tech update.  Military Science in 5.

2 enemy frigates came into range of Palpa.  We lost 1 attacking them, but sank them both.  Unfortunately, on the distant horizon comes our navy's impending doom.  Ship of the Lines, which get +50% vs frigates.  There's that massive tech lead they have showing up.  The 2 that sank their 2 will no doubt be destroyed next turn.  There is a galley nearby, which may drop off more enemy troops.  We hopefully can beat them down.

The seige of Osaka is still slow going.  Trebuchets have been healing in that stack for a few turns.  About 3-4 more for them all to heal up, but I think maybe attacking in 1 or 2 turns might be a good idea as Osaka is LOADED with forces now.  I would expect total losses of trebuchets (5 or 6?) and hopefully their city taken.  I have sent more knights up there for the attack in 1-2 turns.  I almost wonder if we should abandon the attack and hope Japan will send those troops in ships to Omega.  But another part of me just wants to kick Japan's butt.  Thats the louder side of me. 

Jerm was slow in returning turns this weekend, so we didn't get through very many.  I am here tomorrow (Monday), which is very unusual, so I can keep taking turns if you guys want, or can hand it over to Artymus/Biz.

I sent our Great Engineer to our capital.  Shall we just add it to the capital?  With their massive tech-lead, I wonder if we will be able to use it on any wonders at all.  Or we can leave him there and hope one becomes available.  Its up to you guys.

How dare you, t'is but a scratch!!! ...What would the Black Knight think of such comments!

But yeah, when they have such a tech lead I think it is best for us to fight them only on the specific points like beelining for the exact tech we need to defend ourselves best against whatever new devilry they throw at us. And forget the rest whilst we hold up our shield. I think we should take down Kyoto if we are in a position to win a seige right now (or 1-2 turns) but definately call off the war no later in the next few turns.

Have been away for a bit. I can jump back in whenever now I'm back.