[Freeciv-Dev] Re: Patch: bye bye free city center

[Paul Dean <paul@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Robert Brady <robert@xxxxxxxxxx> writes:

> In particular, by the time your coastal cities are being pounded by
> enemy Ironclads, you might well not have met another player who is
> able to make a useful contribution to your research effort.

Then you need to plan ahead.  Notice right at the start that there is
one player who is very good and may come at your with ironclads.  Form
treaties with other players and organise your research.  "You go for
invention, I'll go for navigation" etc. I agree that once the attack
has started, it's probably too late.

I think this is one of the problems of generator 2 - the chances are
you won't have met anyone else by the time the aggressor's ironclads
are harassing you.

> I am of the opinion that Ironclad should happen a lot later in the game
> (probably after Metallurgy), certainly after most of the colonisation has
> been finished, and after everyone sensible has had the chance to set up
> embassies with everyone.

Possibly.  Musketeer are a worthy defense to ironclads.  Gunpowder can
be the 15th tech researched while steam engine is the 22nd.  With a
musketeer defense to make it considerably harder for the agressor to
attack, all you need then is a couple of diplomats to buy some of his
ironclads and you have protection for a couple of caravels full of
musketeers.  Who knows?  You might decide on that strategy right at
the start if you know that one player will have quicker research than
you.  Make sure you build triremes and explore, so that you know where
to launch your surprise attack...

[I must be mad to be giving away these tactics! :)]

-- 
Paul
http://www.redeemed.org.uk/