RB Pitboss #1 [SPOILERS] - Louis XIV of Byzantium

[RefSteel]

On techs: Some people seem to think early libraries are a pretty big deal. How soon would a library (and maybe the potential for its associated scientists - and maybe trade routes if you can get them with Open Borders?) pay for the cost of researching Writing? Or to put it another way, is the risk of missing the Oracle by the number of turns needed to research Writing, minus the time saved on Mason+Poly+Priest(+Monarchy) thanks to writing-related stuff, worth the opportunity cost of libraries, OB, etc. for the time needed to research Mason+Poly+Priest(+Monarchy)?

On those "(+Monarchy)" notes: Would Writing+Libraries help you research beyond Priesthood faster, enabling you to slingshot your target sooner, or sling a better tech? Also, I assume that if you miss the Oracle altogether, whether by a few turns (funding deficit research with Industrious Marble Wonder gold) or a lot (presumably changing your research priorities) it would be good to have Writing and libraries up already....

Of course, for all I know, you have too many other projects on hand to build a library anyway, and/or don't have the food/desire to hire specialists if you did, and/or wouldn't get any extra trade routes with or without Writing, in which case ... errr ... 'twould be best to ignore me completely. (Always a good idea when I'm trying to figure out CIV strategy!)

[mostly_harmless]

(funding deficit research with Industrious Marble Wonder gold)

This was changed with the latest patch. Refund = raw hammers invested (no bonus applies).

mh

[Swiss Pauli]

Now, what about tech? If we want to do something crazy, we can delay Writing. Part of me wants to gamble with going Masonry -> Polytheism -> Priesthood -> Monarchy

If I were you, I'd grab MC with the Oracle in Kobe, then get a cheap forge and cheap CRE Library at the capital to run a Scientist (or two) and Engineer to get either an early Academy, or a GE who can pop Machinery.

[Sullla]

Ummm... don't mind me, but if you really think that Ruff's new city has iron... and your second city is waaaaay out there away from your capital... is it really wise to tie it up on Oracle for the next ~20t? I'd be somewhat concerned about Aggressive Praetorians in your shoes...

[mostly_harmless]

Founded our 3rd city.
Feel free to rename it, Kodii.

Two worker are roading to the that city for first trade routes. They should arrive in time for the border pop to start connecting up copper & stone.

I am pretty sure Unimatrix 1 is on Ruff's Iron, as he is teching Sailing now, to connect it up to his capital. Frankly, if he wants to come after Kobe with Praets, there is zip we can do about it, I think.

mh

[Kodii]

I have named our city Cream of Tartar

I am indeed extremely worried about Ruff's opening approach. Why don't we try to start hammering out details of an alliance. After all, Ruff is hugely behind in worker techs, which we can provide in exchange for IW and Sailing.

Us teaming together is going to do us a lot more good than Ruff eliminating us, and will also do Ruff more good than eliminating us will.

Also, we have met shadyforce. mh, have you already put together a message of greeting or shall I?

EDIT: I sent this

With a wave from across the waters, we send greetings of friendship and hope for cooperation in the future!

[mostly_harmless]

Yes, very nice message.
I would love to team up with Ruff.

But, what would we have to offer to him right now other than the promise to trade later on.

One of us would need Writing for Open Borders.

mh

[Kodii]

Nothing concrete at the moment I guess, but an agreement to work together and a NAP before Ruff decides he wants to stomp on us.

And a prompt response from shadyforce:

Hi guys,

Pleased to make your acquaintance. How is life on your part of the continent? I understand that you have not yet met ZPV? His work boat is nearby? If you want I can direct him towards where your warrior is now... he can be there in about 5 turns. Are you interested?

Brian

[Kodii]

My response:

That is a generous arrangement! We'd be more than happy to accept. Let us know whether or not he agrees
Will he be arriving from the west or the north?

On our part of the continent, we had been exploring in all the wrong directions, but the contacts are finally starting to roll in.
Broker33 is exploring towards dsplaisted and will likely meet you as well.

I hope you don't mind that I'm firing off these messages without your review, but in the interests of time efficiency, I do not think these minor messages require consultation

[Kodii]

T54:

sunrise089 founded Judaism

Kobe's borders have expanded revealing some juicy lands to the north.



A brief chat with shadyforce revealed either he or ZPV has Writing, and they have Open Borders. He has met everyone except Krill/Memphus and Broker33