They are indeed a strong civ...in the mid game or what is sort of the late game for these PBEM games here. Their first bonus to come online is the second half of Bombard, where "Conquered cities do not lose population and Cities not founded by the Ottomans gain +1 amenity and +4 loyalty per turn." The amenities part is nice, so far I am not sure we have seen much from the loyalty mechanic in games. Could lead to some early city state captures but nothing here let's them necessarily get a leg up on other early civs to do the conquering. This is much the same as with Spain who gets good religious bonuses but no help in establishing a religion. On the bright side this lasts all game including when you are conquering with Janissaries.
Next is Grand Vizier which will hit in the classical era with governments. Then the rest of Great Turkish Bombard will first effect catapults at engineering in the late classical era. Their next one will be Barbary Corsairs in the medieval era, and then all the rest are in the Renaissance era. Unlike Russia who's early religion gives them a bonus for getting DOTF and surviving to Cossacks, the Ottomans will have a harder time doing so. If they do get to the Renaissance though they will be a scary civ to deal with.
Since Ibrahim can be put in other civ's cities, he could be used to prop up a failing player with a production and combat bonus which would be neat. Not sure if you can be at war with a civ where he is stationed. If you can then Head Falconer and Serasker are good early combat boosts, albeit ones where you signal your intentions a few turns in advance by placing Ibrahim.
Janissaries also receive a free promotion so they effectively have battlecry or tortoise. With Ibrahim, Battlecry, and their inherent strength they can be hitting at 65-72 strength on the attack. Not sure if they still get the free promotion if upgraded with gold rather than built.
They do look fun to try though.
Next is Grand Vizier which will hit in the classical era with governments. Then the rest of Great Turkish Bombard will first effect catapults at engineering in the late classical era. Their next one will be Barbary Corsairs in the medieval era, and then all the rest are in the Renaissance era. Unlike Russia who's early religion gives them a bonus for getting DOTF and surviving to Cossacks, the Ottomans will have a harder time doing so. If they do get to the Renaissance though they will be a scary civ to deal with.
Since Ibrahim can be put in other civ's cities, he could be used to prop up a failing player with a production and combat bonus which would be neat. Not sure if you can be at war with a civ where he is stationed. If you can then Head Falconer and Serasker are good early combat boosts, albeit ones where you signal your intentions a few turns in advance by placing Ibrahim.
Janissaries also receive a free promotion so they effectively have battlecry or tortoise. With Ibrahim, Battlecry, and their inherent strength they can be hitting at 65-72 strength on the attack. Not sure if they still get the free promotion if upgraded with gold rather than built.
They do look fun to try though.
