PBEM Mod: Moving Diplomatic Options

[snoopy369]

Real simple: Map trading, MPP, and trade embargoes are all too far down the tech tree to really ever use in PBEM.

Where should we put them? Rommel suggested, I believe, MPP and Trade Embargoes to Code of Laws, and Map Trading to Map Making.

And, are there any other diplomatic options that should be moved or modified?

[Rommel2D]

Map Making is the easy one- it was originally this way but changed for Conquests to make the explorer more useful. Humans use different starategies than AIs and I think will often find uses for the explorer regardless.

MPPs and Embargoes are a tougher call. Their utility is less obvious than maps and the move strains the limits of sensible realism (an aesthetic I consider integral to the game).

Another area of options I think would be worth considering changing is espionage. Planting a spy and studying the opponent's battle plans would provide an additional strategic option, perhaps forestalling the Knight/Cavalry buildup and inevitible conquest. I don't find it hard to imagine such tactics being used in ancient times, so moving these to writing (philosophy?) wouldn't trouble me in that aspect...

[punkbass2000]

I think moving both up to their original status is fine for No-AI games. Humans won't be easily manipulated regarding maps/contacts and you probably won't see too much of the 'Everyone knows the whole world at 1000BC' problem.