Re: Order of Expansion
I recommend taking every province you can take without too much damage if it directly connects to your castle.
While you are doing that send out scouts in all directions. Keep in mind that they can only give troop info on the province they are in, but they WILL spot other players and castles and red candles (someone elses dominion) in provinces next to the one they are in. So if you have a choice between moving a scout to a province connecting to 3 provinces, or one connecting to 6, take the 6. Move in ways that give you a glimpse on as many as possible.
By the time you have gotten your castle circled for maximum admin effects, you may have an idea where the nearest enemy is. Expansion after this has alot to do with your style and nation.
If I need indepents (Ulm?, Atlantis?) then I hope my dominion, or scouts, has shown me where resources are high near me, usually mountains too. If Im a hungry army or one needing gold (Jotunheim?) then Id look for population and farmland terrain.
A magic or gem hungry nation might prefer scrub and swamp. (higher chance of sites)
If Im not good on province defense I might look for a weak province sandwiched between 2 rough ones. I take the weak one, buy lots of PD and keep an army there. Leave the 2 rough ones as free flanking defense.
If I have the ability I might skip over a nasty province completely so that it can buffer my retreats. Man, Pangaea, Vanheim, Caelum, Ulm (Black Forest) can use this tactic well. Skipping across the map can make best use of those nations advantages.
Spiral can be done 2 ways. The tight-spiral which always stays connected. Your kingdom appears to grow like an amoeba spreading. There are pros and cons to this. Good for gains but hard to defend. This makes efficient use of mercs.
Spiral can also be a loose spiral where you keep one unconquered province seperating your loops. Less gains but easier to do a defending retreat if you have to pull back. Also good if you have flight support (a flying combat god can be enough to make this work)
__________________
-- DISCLAIMER:
This game is NOT suitable for students, interns, apprentices, or anyone else who is expected to pass tests on a regular basis. Do not think about strategies while operating heavy machinery. Before beginning this game make arrangements for someone to check on you daily. If you find that your game has continued for more than 36 hours straight then you should consult a physician immediately (Do NOT show him the game!)
|