Efficient use of SC against richer nation

[Jazzepi]

I've found a really interesting benefit of a light W9 sacred bless with good scales.

You have a fractional amount of upkeep compared to other nations in the beginning of the game when expanding your army. Right now I'm playing LA t'ien chi, and I'm making out my production, building the most expensive caster every turn, and I've been doing that basically since the very beginning. I'm try to decide where to start my third castle! And I have quite the army. Since at least 3/4 of it is sacred I only pay 1/2 gold cost on those units. My upkeep is about %10 of my income.

On the flip side I'm playing EA pangea without any bless and better scales in another game. My upkeep is just abysmal, and I've built zero sacred units, and their best researcher (400 gold Pans) are not sacred.

It's interesting to see it from both sides.

Jazzepi

[jutetrea]

Fully agree, pan is my new flavor of the month after playing EA t'ien chi for awhile. Lately its been MA and upkeep is now a definite factor. And while cool early... with no wars the maeneds bulk up quick for supply upkeep.