shield production needs a new improvement

[Krypter]

I always thought that there was a huge gap between shield production before the Factory. I think that Civ3 needs 1 or 2 improvements to shield production before the factory comes online.

1. Smithy - during the Middle Ages, this made a big difference

2. Ironworks - during the Renaissance, this is what made England, France and Northern Italy the military powerhouses of the continent. Cannon production was based on huge royal ironworks.

It makes no sense that agriculture continually improves (through the granary and terrain improvements) while industry stays essentially the same until the 18th century factory comes along. I know that mines are supposed to do this, but the gap stills seems too huge, and you can't devote all your city squares to mines or the people will starve.

Comments?

[Grumbold]

I agree but perhaps you could argue that increasing numbers of farms allows bigger cities even with less people concentrating on food production so more are free to toil in mines and mills. The more buildings you add the harder it is to test and balance. A mill or workshop would be welcome if thay can squeeze it in.