Part 22

Rally Support: Cultivate good relations with other empires and Natives. Encourage as many allies as possible to declare war on the 'bastard they call a King' to divide enemy forces. Aim for support from at least 3 empires, a colonial force, and some Natives.

Land Forces Arrive: Once your navy is damaged, prepare for ground combat. The enemy will land at the closest port and attack nearby settlements. Defend your settlements using all available troops, prioritizing attacks on enemy artillery units that approach too closely. Settlements offer a defensive bonus, making them difficult to assault.

Strategic Defense and Retreat: Move Dragoons out of the settlement to engage enemy units outside the defensive bonus. Use Cannons within settlements for their extra defense bonus. Arm colonists working fields as a last line of defense. If a city is under siege or falls, evacuate ALL colonists and valuable resources using available troops, horses, and remaining navy to another city.

The Battle for Freedom: After a city falls, arm unused colonists to bolster your forces. Heal veteran troops, as they are superior to raw recruits. Use roadblocks and find more troops. Arm all colonists except those producing food, lumber, production hammers, and Liberty Bells. Those producing ore, tools, guns, and horses should remain to support troop production and resource gathering.

Securing Victory: Defeat all enemy forces until they surrender. Rely on allies for troop and ship support. Use unconventional tactics like ambushes from hills and forests, attacking when the enemy is unprepared or fleeing. Attack only when victory is possible to conserve forces. If a settlement is lost, ensure all colonists are evacuated and resources are removed before counter-attacking.