Research - 2480 BC

[Kloreep]

At the end of 2520 BC, we will discover Agriculture. In 2480, then, we will need to decide on our next tech.

I believe the complete list of options is:

-Fishing
-Pottery
-Archery
-Mysticism
-Masonry
-Horseback Riding
-Writing
Edit: And Iron Working is also a possibility, thanks UnO

We're in a somewhat nice position in that none of these we really need at this point. Fishing and Masonry, and eventually Pottery, all enable tile improvements we will want evenutally. Writing leads to Alphabet, which will enable us to truly be paid as mercs. Horseback Riding and Mysticism are plain unnecessary at this point IMO; we don't even have horses and axes are preferrably cheaper, while Mysticism wouldn't be useful for much except enabling the Oracle, which I'd say would be a bit of a long shot considering we don't have Marble.

I think Fishing is the way to go. It's cheap and quick to research, opens up the possibility of AB building a Work boat which which to improve its clams tile, and cheapens our cost of Pottery, another good tech to research soon - both for enabling cottages and for lowering the cost of Writing.

[UnOrthOdOx]

Either Iron Working is also a choice or it requires something I'm forgetting.

Fishing is fine for now. I would like a galley sooner rather than later, however looking at the map so far, it seems galley travel to other landmasses is likely possible, and it's gonna get crowded here if Sarantium and the Horde don't go at it and/or whoever hires us isn't willing to be reasonable on a border agreement. So, Sailing after might be worth consideration as there are some relatively near shores. A fishing boat could also be made to scout out contacts.

[polarnomad]

Fishing.

[Kloreep]

The decision comes next turn.

Iron Working would take 24 turns and Fishing would take 6 at our current rate of beaker production. That rate will rise a few commerce in the coming turns as the new city is founded (which will probably give us a -1 maintenance to worry about as well, but it'll be producing 2 commerce) and when AB grows to size 3 and works the Oasis again.

I still think Fishing is a good idea to open up our options with AB.

[UnOrthOdOx]

what level we on? I thought this city would be free...

[polarnomad]

Prince. Not sure if we're going to take a hit to finances, but if we do there are some reserves picked up from a couple huts.

[Kloreep]

Maybe I'm off. But even if there is a little maintenance, the city will pay for itself.