[Neophyte]

Thank's for these suggestions. I've started an Orania game with the above pretender against (all normal AI) Manchaka, TC, Man, Mictlan, Abyssinia, Jotenheim, Caelum and C'Tis. It's now turn 37, and I've been involved in a two front war against Manchaka and C'Tis. Abyssinia is neighboring the previous C'Tis territory, but hostilities have not been initiated. I killed C'Tis about 3 turns ago, but both main forces are pretty well spent. They're not about to collapse in a strong wind or anything, but I'm in the regroup and rebuild stage.

One thing I've learned about Arco is that you really need to rely on special / summonable sacred troops for a blessing plan.

I also think that I expanded too fast. Specifically, I got a bit overexcited when my scout learned where C'Tis was. Based on past less than favorable experiences with C'Tis I sent my main force on the way. Halfway to C'Tis, Manchaka showed up at my doorstep - two provinces away from starting location!! So I quickly threw together a second army and went after them. Right now I'm camped on their doorstep (two provinces from Manchaka) and am holding my position (set up a Fort, Temple and Lab) but just don't feel like I have the oomph needed to close just yet.

I also have a small force that I am keeping close to home for indy expansion. I just have that feeling similar to when you look at your Risk board and know that if the other guy gets lucky with the dice the game might be over. The wrong way.

The major lessons learned:

CotH are good bless troops for beginning game, but are not easily replenishable. Solutions - mix 50 / 50 CotH and hyspatist as the core troop with some expendable infantry tossed in - this may mean to recruit an extra priestess and recruit vinemen earlier. Learn what sacred troops are available as summons. The answer to this appears to be - not many. Otherwise one must rely on luck for special sites with which to replenish holy troops.

I think that it would be best to always have one main force sized army close to home (within 2 - 3 provinces). And until two main forces are active, one shouldn't go forth looking for trouble.

This is painful for me to admit, but even with Arco, it might be good to have more than the starting scout unit out and about looking for where the enemy will come from. If I can recruit scouts from one of the first few independant provinces, perhaps I should aim to have 4 or so fairly quickly.

I should start making Vinemen as soon as I have +2 N gems coming in.


Thank's for the suggestion of Mech. Militia. I like making items (it's one of Arco's strengths imho) so getting to Const 9 won't be too far out of the way.