Diplomacy - Lunatic

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I am trying to beat Lunatic on the original caster of magic.

I am using a node strategy and trying to be peaceful and trade spells.  I had three node conquered. Two Wizards were Maniacal and one was peaceful.  I had great relations with all three through trading and staying away from their cities.

I had 7 cities and took over 2 more neutrals. From there one of the manical wizards declared war on my and took over one of my cities.

My understanding is manical wizards have a chance to randomly declare war.  Do you think this is what happened or was it because I overextended.  The map is huge, 4 opponents.  They still have way more cities than I do.

I am going to have a tough time fighting this war and was not ready yet.  I only have one hero (Gunther).  I have 5 items, 3 of which are wands.  If I was a lucky with my items, I could probably fight it.  My cities are mostly defended with spearman and I have a lot of cavalry. I think I will get pummeled.

It is July of 1405. Is this a normal stage of the game?  If so, I think I need to do a much better job of developing my hero to fight the war.

Any help would be appreciated!

[Anskiy]

Maniacal wizards don't randomly declare war, Chaotic ones do. For managing diplomacy in general, the Charismatic retort is heavily recommended, it severely reduces diplomatic penalties and raises the effect of positive actions. You can also run a multicolor wizard to run less risk of war, wizards often weigh relationships based mainly on their initial relationship, which is influenced largely by your wizard's schools. Life and Nature wizards like wizards using those schools, and hate wizards with Chaos and Death books, vice versa for Chaos and Death wizards. Sorcery is neutral to every school, which is why a wizard specializing in it can afford to stay at peace with almost everyone, especially if they combine it with Aura of Majesty and/or the Charismatic retort.

[Newmicon]

Gotcha, thanks for the reply.

I have been using multicolor wizard which I find helpful.  As recommended, I am going to try the Charismatic retort.

Thanks!

Maniacal wizards don't randomly declare war, Chaotic ones do. For managing diplomacy in general, the Charismatic retort is heavily recommended, it severely reduces diplomatic penalties and raises the effect of positive actions. You can also run a multicolor wizard to run less risk of war, wizards often weigh relationships based mainly on their initial relationship, which is influenced largely by your wizard's schools. Life and Nature wizards like wizards using those schools, and hate wizards with Chaos and Death books, vice versa for Chaos and Death wizards. Sorcery is neutral to every school, which is why a wizard specializing in it can afford to stay at peace with almost everyone, especially if they combine it with Aura of Majesty and/or the Charismatic retort.