Question on T\'ien
 

I have been trying to play T'ien Ch'i, and just not getting the hang of it, probably because my setup is also all wrong (hard to save points here, because I want to go high order) and I am not sure which magic roads to take. I sort of want to be able to, because the "idea" of T'ien just appeals to me.

My first question is simple: My defence is supposed to increase under high order ("conscription dominion"), and so therefore I set my scales to high order -- but I dont notice my defence getting better. How long is this supposed to take?

Second question: any tips on magic schools to invest in / spell combos to go for?

Thank you.

Re: Question on T\'ien
 

T'ien Ch'i isn't an easy one to start as a newbie. There are alot of factors to consider. Order is probably a mandate for Base T'ien Ch'i. Also Production as your mages, while diverse and decent enough, are hard to building a communion with. If you see a lizard province, take it and build a lab for cheap communion slaves in the Shaman.

Ignore any Cavalry you see except for probably the Red Guard, go straight footmen. You will have to use archers and xbows in order to create enough softening that your weaker than normal melee trooops can mop up.

Key spells to look for are Wind Guide and Flaming Arrows.

Remember that most of your units can only move 1 (including your commanders) so you have to build slow strong armies. Your mages can cast the "Acid" line of spells, so look at those. Also try to get a high Air gem income because of your summon in the Celestial Soldiers. Celestial Servants are decent as well, so look at your Earth gem income as well.

Re: Question on T\'ien
 

The chances of defense increase is pretty small, not really worth basing a design aroudn. It is a small bonus intended to bestow some flavour.

Re: Question on T\'ien
 

I forgot the most basic of spells for T'ien Ch'i that maybe a newbie doesn't look at. Quickness. I'd get to Alteration 2 asap for it.

Also another recommendation would be to get at least 4 Earth on your Pretender, and try to avoid nature above 4. This will give your mages Reinvigoration which is incredibly useful when using quickness.

Re: Question on T\'ien
 

I second Zens' comments.

Early the Comp bow are your most effective unit with some heavily armoured Spear (a big shield is a must for this role) deployed on "hold and attack" in the starting spot and the comp bow deployed to one flank protected by your starting Cavalry also on "fire at closest". Xbow can be added when resources allow as these are important for stopping large numbers of Heavy Infantry or Cavalry. Celestial Masters are also good when you decide to take out the heavy provinces you left in your initial expansion - don't attack tough provinces early. For T'ien C'hi tough is largely defined as heavily armoured and/or really fast as most of the rest your comp bow will deal with. You should probably wait till your third turn to attack as it can be a bit dicey attacking on the second. This Last depends on indie strenght - I normally play 5-6.

I always research evocation 1 and alteration 1 early. I'm after Aim plus an attack spell first up and then quickness and some of the better acid spells. Having a Pretender who can hang around and research early is very useful.

Cheers

Keir

[ January 18, 2004, 20:08: Message edited by: Keir Maxwell ]