How do we use Scouts?

[Saber Cherry]

Originally posted by Demosthenes:
You know the more I play this in SP the less I use my Scouts, except for the whole "bloodhunting scouts" which are so popular in other threads . Especially after the first 10-15 turns when your immediate expansion area is pretty clear. The reports on independents from Dominion seems way more accurate than most scouts as well. If I have Spy's I might use one or two to spot for my big armies. But other than using the Scouts to tote gems I don't use 'em much.

I can see how in MP you'd be more worried about what your creative human opponents are doing but they are more likely to have adequate provincial defenses to spot you as well.

So let's hear it folks... What do you do with your scouts?

Spies are much better than scouts in every respect except 2:

1) Scouts are easier to get;
2) Scouts are cheaper for slaving.

I use scouts insidiously. Some people think 0 defense is enough. If I can take a province without fighting, I never really attacked them, did I?

Scouts are good platforms for Lifelong Protection, Soul Contract, Fever Fetish, and such. They also have secret uses.

Edit: In many of my games, I buy 1 scout per turn per scout-province until the mid game.

[ February 27, 2004, 02:31: Message edited by: Saber Cherry ]