Having Copper in a well-connected empire will allow Ilios to spam strength 4 warriors everywhere. He's not prioritizing Hawks, though, so may be caught unawares, and lacking the required numbers on defense.
What are his enemies going to bring to the party?
Uberfish's hunters are expensive, and have a penalty to attack cities. Also, I don't think they can pillage. On the other hand, scouting hawks will be very useful - and with uberfish following Ilios in the turn order, he could provide everyone with an up-to-date state of affairs in Malakim lands.
In fact, the turn order will really benefit the Coalition of the Willing - after Ilios' turn, Uberfish will scout with hunters, Calabim will follow next and strategize; everyone else will most likely follow their lead.
Everyone else is looking to send warriors, non-Copper in most cases. Most warriors will be unpromoted as well, I expect. Hmm... this can become a bloodbath. Any time someone tries to pillage an improvement on open ground, it's an invitation for Ilios to counter-attack. If he can get chariots in play, that could be lethal (Chariots will quickly pick up XP, healing should be quick in cities with medics around, and the advantages will snowball).
Also, having half a dozen warriors wandering around in enemy territory for several turns will be costly in upkeep. It's an expensive proposition for the coalition, and yes, the biggest winner will be whoever commits the least (so, Amelia?).
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So, for now, things to watch are:
Will Ilios notice the military build-up of other leaders? Or gain advance warning of the attack from the shift in diplomatic tone?
Will Ilios' tech path bring some better units onto the field in time for the attack? Chariots or catapults could do the trick here - basically, anything that weakens stacks and allows him to counter-attack out of his cities.
Will Sciz be still standing, and willing to help Ilios out, or at least hinder Mist & uberfish's movements in his area?
Will the coalition stand strong and organized, or will it be a half-hearted attempt at best?
What are his enemies going to bring to the party?
Uberfish's hunters are expensive, and have a penalty to attack cities. Also, I don't think they can pillage. On the other hand, scouting hawks will be very useful - and with uberfish following Ilios in the turn order, he could provide everyone with an up-to-date state of affairs in Malakim lands.
In fact, the turn order will really benefit the Coalition of the Willing - after Ilios' turn, Uberfish will scout with hunters, Calabim will follow next and strategize; everyone else will most likely follow their lead.
Everyone else is looking to send warriors, non-Copper in most cases. Most warriors will be unpromoted as well, I expect. Hmm... this can become a bloodbath. Any time someone tries to pillage an improvement on open ground, it's an invitation for Ilios to counter-attack. If he can get chariots in play, that could be lethal (Chariots will quickly pick up XP, healing should be quick in cities with medics around, and the advantages will snowball).
Also, having half a dozen warriors wandering around in enemy territory for several turns will be costly in upkeep. It's an expensive proposition for the coalition, and yes, the biggest winner will be whoever commits the least (so, Amelia?).
---
So, for now, things to watch are:
Will Ilios notice the military build-up of other leaders? Or gain advance warning of the attack from the shift in diplomatic tone?
Will Ilios' tech path bring some better units onto the field in time for the attack? Chariots or catapults could do the trick here - basically, anything that weakens stacks and allows him to counter-attack out of his cities.
Will Sciz be still standing, and willing to help Ilios out, or at least hinder Mist & uberfish's movements in his area?
Will the coalition stand strong and organized, or will it be a half-hearted attempt at best?
