early game expansion tactics

[Andy]

based on my limited PBEM experience to date I don't seem to be expanding fast enough to be competitive.

I'm using pretender to lead my main army but after taking each province this means they're sitting idle for a turn while I search for hidden magic sites

is this how most people play? I suppose I could hire a commander for my army and use my pretender purely for sniffing out magic sites, but this seems to be a waste of a powerful combat advantage.

any suggestions will be appreciated.

That is a loaded question Andy .

I can only say a few things that will help you with the advise you may soon be recieving.

Post your Pretender and Paths.
Post your Nation/Theme.
Post your Scales.
Post your Dominion/Castle.
Post your Research goals.

All of these impact greatly your early expansion with the choices you make for it both in magic and production.

You Go GoneGoldGirl!

[Andy]

really?

I'd have thought basic expansion techniques were universal. my first mistake I guess.

Pretender and Paths: Great Mother, 4xNature 4xEarth
Nation/Theme : Pangaea (no theme)
Scales: +1 Fortune
Dominion/Castle: Castle
Research goals: none specific, obviously I need Nature & Earth-friendly schools though.

[aldin]

Generically speaking, the leader of your first army shouldn't be stopping to search until you've at least expanded your borders a bit. This is really a decision you want to make when you're creating the pretender - what is their role? If it's combat, plan on searching other ways (or not at all) at least for a while.

~Aldin

Originally posted by aldin:
Generically speaking, the leader of your first army shouldn't be stopping to search until you've at least expanded your borders a bit. This is really a decision you want to make when you're creating the pretender - what is their role? If it's combat, plan on searching other ways (or not at all) at least for a while.

~Aldin

Unless of course your research strategy includes a specific gem income. Important for nations that utilize national summons or speedresearch conjuration/enchantment/construction for suppliments to their national army types.

Well depending on how comfortable you are with sending your Great Mother into combat and how quickly you intend to research Conjuration/Construction, you are more than likely in a rough spot.

Your scales don't produce an exceptional amount of gold, so you are going to be limited on some of your choices. I have a personal distaste for the satyr hoplites, as they are slow and in your current production state, hard to produce. I much prefer Centaur Warriors, as they have a high survivability as well as mobility. Plus they have stealth to break enemy lines, cause unrest and wreak havok on economies.

What initial Indep strength are you fighting in?

Edit: With your nation and Pretender, I would use a Heirophant to lead your armies (if he's your prophet) or a Dryad (who is your prophet). Until your Earth Mother is equipped or has the spell capability to make her less prone to danger, she can search your land, while your armies take independants.

[ February 12, 2004, 01:08: Message edited by: Zen ]