I finish the settler and send him over (unprotected - why do I take these risks) to the copper spot and found Pasargadae. I also pick up Priesthood for The Oracle that I will chop. After Priesthood, I set tech to writing (Library) and build a few more workers and some archers for Defense. I spend most of the time cottaging, roading, finishing Barracks in Pasargadae. While I am chopping the Oracle, I am also researching mathematics. Hmm, Oracle in 18, maths in 17 which brings double hammers from forest chops. I could delay the Oracle and get maximum value for the forests or … I decide to just chop anyway.
The Oracle finishes (Code of Laws) and I have also researched Monotheism (mainly for the +25% building hammer bonus) so I now have 3 religions (Hinduism, Judaism and Confucianism). I also finish libraries in both cities, hire scientists in Persepolis - pop a scientist and build the science acadamy.
It is at this stage that I remember that I am meant to be rushing axes and taking out the other civs. But I do have an excuse for this seemingly pussing footing around ...
Turn 80 (875 BC)
Persepolis finishes: The Oracle
Pasargadae finishes: Barracks
Turn 81 (850 BC)
Persepolis begins: Axeman
Pasargadae begins: Axeman
650 years later ... and this is the state of the game (naturally, I didn't know anything about the other civs) ...
You can see that I have declared on Monty (Turn 107 - 200BC) - saving Tommy for later. This is where some of my reporting gets forgetten. I get so involved in the battle and the mayhem that I don't record what happens where or any significant developments. Lucky I have the logger going so that I can pull out the important dates).
One of the take aways from this war is the small scale battles that I like about CIV 4. The archer is on its way to reinforce Tlatelolco (from Monty's capital). I don't particularly like the odds of attacking across a river with the unit in a forest. So, I decide to let the archer take the tile I am currently on (or stop it from taking the forest to the E). Next turn, the attack odds are much better ...
The war goes really well for me - while Monty does have Axes, he doesn't use them well and, after I pillage his copper, it is just a matter of time. In the end, I sign a peace treaty (for techs) to end the WW that is starting to bite.