[SPOILERS] Donovan Zoi Reflexively Clicks Advanced, Then Back

[Donovan Zoi]

Looking forward to playing base BTS with a pretty diverse mix of players.  Now to check out the Civilopedia to deprogram myself from RtR before my turn in the draft.

[Charriu]

I think deprogramming will be the hardest part.

[Donovan Zoi]

I think deprogramming will be the hardest part.

Yes, it's been interesting so far.  With 4 picks already in, here are some of my thoughts for my own based on what's still out there:

The good thing about being later in the snake pick is that I'll only need to endure the full choices of one other player that could possibly foil these plans.

Joao II (EXP/IMP) - I'll use up all my points on traits and will have to select from a few decent non-Agri civs.  There are quite a few out there, and I can just research Agriculture while I build my first Worker if needed.  If still available, I'll need to start checking out those civs.

Mao Zedong (EXP/PRO)of Inca - If Inca are still available, I can grab them with the hopes that Regent Man won't pick this fairly cheap leader.  Holding my nose for PRO nets me two stellar 3-point options, which combine for the bonus of cheap cultural Granaries via the Terrace.  In fact, if Gavagai or Alhazard go for Inca, I may just grab Mao to block.  I am a Castle man myself, so don't have as much of a problem with PRO that others seem to have. 

Washington (EXP/CHM) of China - Same thought process, grabbing China first if still available and hoping RegentMan doesn't go for Washington.  Big cities here to start and also a compelling reason to aim for Stonehenge for  Monuments.  Shaka (EXP/AGG) is a backup in this plan.


Still plenty of other options, but these are the big grabs.  Let's see how the next two picks go...

Hope you are feeling better, Charriu!

[Charriu]

Yes, I am feeling better, thank you.

[Donovan Zoi]

Good to hear

Tough call, but I went ahead and chose Inca.   I've never played as them before, and am rolling the dice that RegentMan doesn't pick Mao.  It will totally mess with my gameplan if he does, as I won't have enough points to select EXP without PRO attached.

My resistance to pick Joao came down to two things:

1) The high chance of landing EXP Terraces with Mao
2) The lack of non-agri civs I was interested in -- only the Mongols, Aztecs and Greece stood out

Even though I could be stuck with PRO, it does allow me to whip/chop Walls in a pinch once I get Masonry.  And it actually has some mild synergy with inca in that I've claimed the one UU that can do damage against Archers.  Though PRO is purely defensive, and thus frowned upon in these parts, its components can be used for aggressive settling without giving your rivals much chance of retaliation.  Of course this depends on me actually building cities, so we'll see how that goes. 

[mackoti]

Good to hear

Tough call, but I went ahead and chose Inca.   I've never played as them before, and am rolling the dice that RegentMan doesn't pick Mao.  It will totally mess with my gameplan if he does, as I won't have enough points to select EXP without PRO attached.

My resistance to pick Joao came down to two things:

1) The high chance of landing EXP Terraces with Mao
2) The lack of non-agri civs I was interested in -- only the Mongols, Aztecs and Greece stood out

Even though I could be stuck with PRO, it does allow me to whip/chop Walls in a pinch once I get Masonry.  And it actually has some mild synergy with inca in that I've claimed the one UU that can do damage against Archers.  Though PRO is purely defensive, and thus frowned upon in these parts, its components can be used for aggressive settling without giving your rivals much chance of retaliation.  Of course this depends on me actually building cities, so we'll see how that goes. 

Man Inca is good without expansive as well because you need granaries anyway.You just need a better way to get those teraces.

[Donovan Zoi]

Hey mackoti, good to see you.

I saw your post after I finalized my pick but I doubt if I could have been swayed. Having EXP will allow me to chop out Granaries at Size 1 or two, essentially granting me CRE borders from the outset. Then with the faster growth, I should be able to whip Settlers at 4>2 or 6>3 with quicker recovery, which is going to be ideal without the RtR whip nerf.

I am sure I am still considered a mark in the game, so I am fine having quick defenses at my disposal should I find Keshiks and Praets heading my way. Now that I've picked, I'd be open to hear what kind of pairing you'd have played with Inca that doesn't include EXP.

[Donovan Zoi]

I am not one for reading the tea leaves, but can someone confirm that is is not one of the headlines being discussed in the lurker thread right now?  You can tell me -- I can take it. 


Donovan Zoi Dismisses 3 Civs Ideal for Pangaea, Watches as Those Are the Next Three Picked


Come on, Superdeath.  Don't let me down.  China is still available....

EDIT: I said Greece instead of Rome but still.  I'm still happy to put those Terraces to work and see if I have any shot at early resource denial with my UU.  Not worried...yet.

[Charriu]

You're getting paranoid. 

No, we are mainly talking about the map.

[Donovan Zoi]

Haha, thanks. I am pretty committed to my pick anyway, but just trying to have a bit of fun after hardly posting in my last few games.