[Spoilers] Jester fools around in the Gathering Storm

[CFCJesterFool]

Picks to consider after getting errands done:

Ottoman
Zulu
Nubian
Russian
American

[CFCJesterFool]

Okay, time to consider which civ I will play. With the roster that is playing, it is safe to assume that it is understood (by the players) that Civ VI is mostly a conquest game. With that in mind, I'll look at my choices.
   
Grand Vizier -
Hard to slot in the unique Governor until late with Pingala wanting at least three titles, Magnus with at least one, and a case to be made for Liang/Reyna/Victor getting one or more titles each. Janissary unique musketman is quite good.
Great Turkish Bombard -
I love siege. Since you will need more units than you do in single player (i.e. players will try to focus fire siege as well as ranged units), building siege 50% faster is really going to help mass enough siege to be useful. The rest of the ability is OP as hell.
Grand Bazaar -
Extra strategic resource accumulation and additional amenities are pretty good.
Barbary Corsair -
Could be useful but probably just Era score.
Janissary -
Pre-build and then upgrade to get around the population loss. Build them in conquered cities if you need reinforcements. Very strong ability.
 
   
Amabutho -
OP as hell. The main trick will be getting enough culture to reach Mercenaries quickly.
Isibongo -
Yeah, beeline to Mercenaries asap.
Ikanda -
Absolutely great unique district. You still probably want to add buildings to the district (for Great General points) but the buildings aren't required  to build Corps or Armies.
Impi -
Not great unless facing mass cavalry. Could be a factor depending on other players picks.

   
Kandake of Meroe -
Good ability. Desert start bias could be problematic, especially with disaster settings set to 4. Sandstorms are a terror.
Ta-Seti -
Very good ability. Hard to complain here.
Pitati Archer -
One of the best unique units imo. Comes early enough to matter and the extra movement is tactically significant.
Nubian Pyramids -
If this is useful then I am in trouble. Any district built near one of these is going to get wrecked at least a few times, barring early elimination.


   
The Grand Embassy -
Not relevant in multiplayer. If you get too far behind for this to matter, well you're too far behind.   
Mother Russia -
Could be really good if starting in tundra (defensive wise). Blizzards are just as devastating as sandstorms and at least I won't have to worry about losing units to the climate all game long. Extra tiles upon founding cities is very strong obviously.
Cossack -
Op unique unit mainly due to being able to attack cities and then clear out for the next in line to attack.
Lavra -
Decent enough.


   
Roosevelt Corollary -
+5 combat strength on home continent could be great or lackluster depending on how the continents are laid out. The rest is forgettable.
Founding Fathers -
Good ability. Diplomatic policies are underwhelming early on.
P-51 Mustang -
Doubtful this is ever useful in a multiplayer game.
Rough Rider -
Ok unit but the Cossack is way better.
Film Studio -
Don't see this as useful.

I think I can rule out Teddy. America is the weakest choice by far. Nubia is a good choice, except there is a non-minimal risk of starting in desert. In single player, I wouldn't hesitate to pick Amanitore. I just think in this case, probably better to not risk it. I do want to win the game. That leaves three left to choose from. Russia would be fun to play but Cossacks come a little late for my taste. Either Shaka or Suleiman would be great choices. Really tough to decide.

[CFCJesterFool]

The picks are in. My thoughts about the choices.

Pindicator as Incans. He should have some crazy tall cities. I really like this pick.

TheArchduke as Mapuche. Yikes. I don't want to start near him. No way to co-exist peacefully since the first golden age you get will be the last you ever get. Probably the best pick of the draft.

Woden as Persia. I really don't like Immortals but Persia is a pretty good civ. Need to be wary of the surprise war declaration.

Suboptimal as Greece. I would have went with Mongolia but Gorgo is still a great pick. He will get the first Great General if he wants it.

Jester as Ottomans. In hindsight, I should have picked Nubia for the earlier unique unit. I'll just have to see what happens.

[Chevalier Mal Fet]

I'm glad others recognize how powerful Mapuche can be - I thought they were a little underrated before, but +10 CS is straight nasty.

For you, I was hoping for the Zulu, but I guess that would paint a huge target on your back.

Imagine a game with Persia, Mapuche, Mongolia, and the Zulu, though. :o

[CFCJesterFool]

   
Ruh-roh! Had to move the settler northwest to avoid the volcano effect zone (2 tiles on setting 4.) Tough start. Hopefully I have a decent first expansion. Exploring the map is going to be a pain. I'll probably do a double scout opening.

[CFCJesterFool]

   
Too bad we might restart...I can get a pretty good second city here about.

[CFCJesterFool]

   
Pretty nice start. Going to circle NE with the warrior first. Thought about going scout first then decided not to due to no huts on. Probably get a scout after a builder but might go straight to a settler after the warrior is done.

[Cornflakes]

That is an excellent start indeed! Good luck!

[CFCJesterFool]

   
Exploration has not been quick but it looks like I'll meet a city state next turn.

[CFCJesterFool]

   
Worthless city state envoy (for the time being) and not much reason to go for a religion. Since I haven't yet seen a must-settle-now city site, I decided to get a builder next.