Tech Tree

[Spiffor]

Our UU has no upkeep ?
Is this a new thing in PtW, or do I use my UUs so rarely in my games that I never noticed it ?

[Tiberius]

I didn't know that, either. Is this really true?

[Tiberius]

I think we agree that we should start with Bronze Working.

After that, Ceremonial Burial would be nice, so we could build early temples.

Next:
Writing, Literature, Mathematics, Currency, Philosophy, Code of Laws if we go for Republic
or
Mysticism , Warrior Code, Polytheism, if we go for Monarchy.

Is this OK until now?

[Spiffor]

We should research mathematics and currency only if we have more than 2 luxuries at disposal. Otherwise, it's a good plan

[Tiberius]

No, the marketplaces are not for the 3rd luxury, but for our treasury. Republic without marketplaces = bankrupcy !

[Colonel Kraken]

I have played games over and over and over bee-lining for Monarchy, and I NEVER have a problem researching and making money. I never take more than 6 turns to research a tech and usually more like 4, and I've always got cash rolling in. On the other hand, when I've finally switched to Republic thinking it'll give me this great boost . . . OOPS! less money (or at least no more than Monarchy), research takes just as long, and I've got this humungous nagging happiness problem.

Going from Monarchy to Democracy?
Going from Monarchy to Republic?

Monarchy just has way too many benefits to ignore: especially military upkeep and happiness. If we go to war . . . Correction WHEN we go to war, we'll be thinking the gods that we're in Monarchy.

There: that's my 2 cents. Take it or leave it.

[Spiffor]

I've started another game as the Russians today, emperor level. To have chances of surviving, I had to build a big swordsmen force (heavy toll on my despotic economy), despite my 90% tax rate after mysticism.
I beelined for Monarchy, but the AI got it 7 turns before me (and had all other ancient techs except Republic).

I just realized we'll have to have a large military, and the freebies of Monarchy will be a blessing, as well as the lack of war weariness.

Colonel Kraken : how did you research techs in 6 turns max ? Did you have a large military in your game ?

I think we should poll on this issue as soon as we know our starting location. It will basically lead our general action for the whole ancient era.

[Jack_www]

Well, I think Monarchy would not be a bad idea.
We should go through revlutions as least as possible, since we lose a lot of time. I would say 3 government changes max.

[Kloreep]

Originally posted by Spiffor
Our UU has no upkeep ?
Is this a new thing in PtW, or do I use my UUs so rarely in my games that I never noticed it ?

It's special to the Numidian. I've only read about this, though; don't have PTW, so I can't test if it's true.

[Spiffor]

Well, if the Numidian Merc has indeed no upkeep, it can have a big influence on our government choice :
They'll be the bulk of our army, and them cost 0 would be incredibly useful for Republic (Numidians are the best defensive units until gunpowder is out there)

However, I didn't see they had no upkeep on Civ3.com. I'll ask in the PtW forum, and I'll keep you in touch about it.
EDIT : ChaotikVisions and UberKruX tell me the Numidian Merc has a normal upkeep. In this case, I'd be more inclined to go to monarchy.

[Kloreep]

Originally posted by Spiffor
ChaotikVisions and UberKruX tell me the Numidian Merc has a normal upkeep. In this case, I'd be more inclined to go to monarchy.

Whoops. I must have been remembering a pre-gold comment by someone.

[vondrack]

Well, Bronze Working first is undisputable with regards to our UU. Ceremonial Burial as second is to my taste.

What comes next, I would leave to later times. There is so much that can happen, that it seems rather premature to discuss that right now. Especially the Monarchy or Republic dilemma is just way too deep in the future. Let's wait until we get our first two (own) techs and see what else we can get from other teams.