How can we provide vets for our SMC?

[Ljube]

We have 62 cities now and only 23 barracks.

Do we build more barracks or bribe Pharsalos and sell our barracks?

I say we bribe it. It will also make all our non vet units vets once they win a battle.

[cavebear]

I have some concerns about bribing a city far away from our capital and support cities, and in the midst of a militaristic expansionist monarchy. It seems to me it would be an easy target for counter-bribing, even as poor as the Greeks are (counter-bribes are cheaper), and we would give a tech to the Greeks as well.

Because of the likelihood of losing the city at any time, I would not want to sell our barracks, either. We could easily be left losing Sun Tzu *and* having no barracks.

Is Sun's really that valuable to us at the moment? We are in an upgrading pattern right now, having Leo's, and those units would lose their Vet status anyway each upgrade.

I think we should leave Pharsalos alone for now. Let's consider it again when we have Cavalry to accompany a Dip, at least.

[Ljube]

We can always counter-bribe it again.

And there are forts near Pharsalos to be occupied by our troops and stop enemy diplomats.

And we can build the courthouse and maintain huge treasury.

And sewer system to let Pharsalos grow over 12.

And troops to attack near Greek cities.

Or simply bribe them too.

Let's at least try and I agree that we should keep barracks until Pharsalos is secured.

[duke o' york]

What's the point of bribing a city that you reckon you'll have to bribe back again?
It makes more sense to spend the money elsewhere and take the city, whether by money or force, when we know that we have a good chance of holding it. Capturing Leo's for a turn is worthwhile, but Sun Tzu requires your units to fight to get the benefit and for some units that might not be for some time.

[shade]

as our president stated the risk is way to high at this moment. And as you yourself show, te cost of safeguarding that 1 city would almost require all our resources.
(keep big treasury= no bribing)
(troops in fortresses= sending in an enormous army whil keeping suplying new units for those that get killed(The greek won't just send Diplo's))

Shade

[Ben Kenobi]

I say bribe the city and then use scouts to prevent counterbribery. The Greeks have little cash, and if we maintain a fairly large treasury, they will be unable to re-bribe Pharsalos.

Let's push forward, and challenge the Greeks to match our strength.