[Scarmiglione]

I don't think turtling is "shameful" (making mp games faster is hardly the whole point of the game), and it's a valid and even preferred tactic for a couple nations. I think EA R'lyeh is a good example of a turtle nation, as they have a tough time getting onto land, but are dominant underwater and have top-notch mages with lots of astral, so you can turtle up till you have your preffered magic researched and your preferred monsters summoned. obviously you can turtle just as well with Ma and LA r'yeh, but they don't really favor it as much as EA, since they have no problem getting onto land.