[triqui]

Very enterteining read and a very valuable one to learn about.

A great Sun Tzu's The Art of War approach. Being able to manipulate and bribe your neighbours properly is very important, probably more than being able to push an early expansion or create a late game good threat with research or whatever.

For example, I took Jomon over TC as a target for our combined assault becouse I had conversations with TC regarding you, and how he was affraid of your growth. I thought it would be easier for me to convince him to attack you if, after Jomon, you happened to take more provinces than me and your leading of the game was enough to make you a long term winner. I, however, was lenient in my diplo, and you convinced TC in the meanwhile to join you as the best of the losers... er... I mean... to share your victory as second one :P

From all your diplomatic manipulation, the one I think is more brilliant is the last one with Gath. "attack him becouse you will learn more" is simply brilliant, I would never had thought of it myself. I note it for future use, if you don't have it copyrighted ^_^. Sure, it didn't work for Gath, as he won't learn that much, but it worked greatly for you. I find it to be just brilliant. Probably it influence in the game was much lesser than, say, your ability to sign a long term alliance with TC after you pushed Man to fight them. That was probably the winning move.

I've learned a lot in this game. Interesting one indeed. So long live to Aqualibrium, the new God in the Pantocrator. I concede the game to Atlantis.