Epic Nineteen - Arise, Ethiopia! - Now Open

[Olodune]

The number of new players showing up so long after the initial release (October 2005) is simply amazing

For some of us it just takes a few years to work up the nerve to post

I've been playing Civ (on and off) since Civ2 -- yet I'm still new to this community (as a non-lurker).

Off Topic:
In my opinion Civ4:BtS is the best TBS game I've ever played. Despite its shortcomings the AI is outstanding (only rivaled in recent years by Stardock's Galactic Civilizations). I prefer the ambiance in SMAC, but the AI is very weak in comparison. Other great games (Age of Wonders, Master of Orion 2) don't have the strategic depth and/or have too reliable "winning strategies".

[Sullla]

Off Topic:
In my opinion Civ4:BtS is the best TBS game I've ever played. Despite its shortcomings the AI is outstanding (only rivaled in recent years by Stardock's Galactic Civilizations). I prefer the ambiance in SMAC, but the AI is very weak in comparison. Other great games (Age of Wonders, Master of Orion 2) don't have the strategic depth and/or have too reliable "winning strategies".

Just wait until this summer, when the community revives our dormant Master of Orion Imperia games. Only about a month away now.

[timmy827]

Another rules question: Obviously, given the current GNP formula there is a lot of micromanagement you can do on the scoring dates to maximize. Since there was no restrictions listed I'm assuming that's all well and good, but since the changes are reflected immediately in the demographic screen: Do you have to end the turn in that configuration, or can you set up for best GNP, record it with a save game, then switch assignments back to something else before ending the turn and continuing the game?

[Compromise]

Another rules question: Obviously, given the current GNP formula there is a lot of micromanagement you can do on the scoring dates to maximize. Since there was no restrictions listed I'm assuming that's all well and good, but since the changes are reflected immediately in the demographic screen: Do you have to end the turn in that configuration, or can you set up for best GNP, record it with a save game, then switch assignments back to something else before ending the turn and continuing the game?

I think this is a fair question.

To be honest, I suspect that Sullla's intent was that there would be no micromanagement to optimize the GNP score or the land area controlled at the scoring dates.

That said, we score milkers-- and we know who we are --see the scoring system as something to be abuse...err...ummm.... We see the scoring system as an opportunity to micromanage so as to maximize some reward system.

I suspect that maximizing in-turn tile settings to get the best GNP value--though not clearly forbidden (as opposed to clearly not forbidden) in the game description--will be met with rolling eyes from those who didn't do the same thing. Ending a turn with those settings is a bit better, but is still very temporary.

My suggestion would actually be to record two numbers for GNP. One is your maximized tile setting score, the other is your "fair value" score. The latter could be roughly described as "what your GNP value would be if the scoring date were actually a turn or so after this one but you didn't really know that."

If you give both GNP numbers, then those who played toward the same "milk it baby!" approach will have something to compare with, and those who treat the scoring date as more of an indication of how your economy is doing at that point in the game will also be able to make a good comparison.

But of course the very best approach would be to wait for Ruff_hi to get a mod approved for use in RB events that gives you not just free pikes, but free gold as well. 8)
[/inside joke]

Disclaimer: this poster has no intention of abrogating the game sponsor's right to give an actual authoritative response to the OP's query.

[T-hawk]

One... more... turn...

Game Complete. Report will have to wait until Monday night, but suffice it to say that things got absurd.

[Ruff_Hi]

Egor ... throw the switch ... nahhhhh ahhh ahhh ... let their be LIFE!

But of course the very best approach would be to wait for Ruff_hi to get a mod approved for use in RB events that gives you not just free pikes, but free gold as well. 8)
[/inside joke]

No one told me that you were looking for a free-gold mod. I'll get right on it. In the mean time - suggest you use this secret hot key ... Ctrl-W.