by Anonymous on Thu Jun 10, 2004 8:02 pm
Salve Piscinus,
I'm not sure which one the quaestor level was.
If it was the Mediolanum with the Carthaginian invasion, then there are a few methods I use.
At the beginning, any migrants you get will more than likely be savaged bt the wolves. They usually give up after a while. The best method of dealing with them is not to use prefects, as they are useless. The best ways of dealing with them are either military units, or by building gladiator barracks (they kill wolves great).
The way I usually build my city is by turning it into grids. I build each block so that it can fit 9 spaces, 3 x 3. 2 rows of three plots, a fountain in the middle of the empty rows, and two gardens on either side, with a road all the way around. The first reservoir I usually place at the right bit of the higher up part of the lake, just below where the rock wall bit comes down from the corridor. I use a diagonal pattern, leaving every second block empty, so that I can fit in schools, markets, theatres etc. I make grid blocks of 3 x 3 of these sorts of blocks, with an empty gap around the outside with two roads and one row of empty space. This I use for aquaduct access. At each corner of the 3x3 grid block, I place a reservoir. This usually takes care of water supply. Also, don't worry about hospitals too much...usually, doctors clinics do the trick, as well as an occasional barber clinic.
Where there is a sort of alley of raised ground, clear it of vegitation, then at the very top of it, build a wall about four lines thick (maybe more). Then train a few javelin divisions, and a legionary division. Also, build temples to Mars and hold festivals in his honor. Hopefully, eventually, you will be given the guardian spirit of Mars. This should take care of the first invasion. Once you have a few divisions of javelineers, when the next invasion of Carthaginians comes, begin the next section. If they come down anywhere on the left side, move your javelineers up the alley and up the stairs there onto the raised platform. Then, form your legionaries up behind the wall (usually near the stairs). This way, the javelineers can pelt the invaders, while the legionaries provide support. This usually ensures low casualties, and gives you the ability to trade more weapons and ore (keep at least 3 of each in your warehouse for emergencies). If the invasion comes from the right side, (as soon as you can) remove the vegetation and so forth from the raised-ground corridor on that side, and build right the way down (at least 14 rows of wall). Then in the area next to the corridor (on the right side), clear an area all the way down the wall, so that if the invaders break through the blockade, you can continually belt them with javelins.
Eventually, however, you will have to build the full amount of men. I usually go for a mixture: three javelin, three legions. I also make sure I build a military academy, as this makes all the difference to the effectiveness of troops. Also, after a while, you will be asked to contribute troops for service in the empire. At first, you can usually get away with sending just one unit, so send a legionary unit. If you win, you get to build a triumphal arch. This sort of thing will usually set you on the straight path. When the time wears on, and you have excess employment, start building towers on the walls. It may weaken them to an extent, but it also provides you with guards for the walls, as well as an artillery piece on the tower.
Well, there's a fairly in-depth overview for you. Hope that helps.
Vale bene,
Trajan