Sneaky Plague

[Hosakawa Tito]

I've been playing a full campaign as the Brutii, hard/hard, and thought I was being smart concerning the plague in the Macedonian cities. I had the Macedons on the ropes. I sent spies into their two remaining cities, Thessalonica & Bylazora to check for plague. Both were infested, so I waited it out for a few years before beseiging and attacking. Once the plague in both cities had run it's course and was gone, I attacked and crushed the Macedons, eliminating their faction and putting the populace to the sword.
The very next turn both cities were again stricken with plague, including my two best generals and their battlehardened troops. I guess the damn game is determined to ensure you get the plague no matter what. Next time I send in my two worst generals, Mr. Lily-Liver & Mr. Hides-Behind Walls with expendable Town Watch and mercenaries. DAMN DAMN DAMN

[Tamur]

Noticed this as well... apparently those danged fleas can even evade the game engine's detection!!

[andrewt]

Have you checked for opponent's spies? They carry plague. They'll become rebels after you eliminate the Macedonians.

[R'as al Ghul]

Playing egypt at the moment.
I had the plague in two major cities and my heir was infected.
I actually transported the plague with this character into a seleucid city which I had taken. The city I left was free from plague afterwards and in the seleucids city it helped to decimate the population which I had only occupied.
I imagined the plague to be much worse.
Usually it wears out after four years of doing nothing.
In the described case of importing the plague into a freshly occupied city it killed about 3000 people and so helped to maintain order. I think it was crucial to have a surgeon and a priest in the retinue of my heir. Otherwise he may have died in the cause.
The effect on the city was positive after all. Decreased population > increased order > higher taxes > more profit > happy Pharao.

R'as

[Hosakawa Tito]

andrewt, my spy detected no enemy spies. I think the Macedonian plague is a scheduled event that can't be avoided. R'as al Ghul has given us a great idea on using the plague as a bio-weapon though. I just wouldn't want it to get out of hand and come back to bite my faction. In my current campaign, I notice that the Gauls are kicking the Julii's butts. Maybe I'll send my plague infected spy to pay them a visit. And if my rival, the Julii, get sick.... too bad.

[R'as al Ghul]

R'as al Ghul has given us a great idea on using the plague as a bio-weapon though. I just wouldn't want it to get out of hand and come back to bite my faction. In my current campaign, I notice that the Gauls are kicking the Julii's butts. Maybe I'll send my plague infected spy to pay them a visit. And if my rival, the Julii, get sick.... too bad.

Arrgh, I created a monster!!
Once you have it there's nothing that you can do but spread it!

Just be careful not to transport it within your empire. Single characters can have it and you might not notice it.

R'as