I am a newbie learning the ropes. One exercise I've been trying against the AI is what I call the 10 Turn Challenge. The idea is to experiment with different setups and strategies to get a strong start, yet keeping the map and settings constant. If anyone is interested in comparing their results, I'd love to get an AAR.
Use the
Talis map against one AI-controlled nation with Normal AI. (I have been playing against Jotunheim, but the opponent will be far enough away that it shouldn't make much difference in the first 10 turns.) Set independent strength to 6 and keep the rest of the default settings. Create your pretender and play 10 turns. Play with the idea of creating a position that would be strong in many different situations, not of crushing the particular opponent in this map. Use the information at the beginning of Turn 11 for your report.
Here is an example. I'm setting the bar pretty low.
1. Pretender/Setup
Great Sage, F3 A4 W3 E3 S4 D2 N4 B1, Arcosephale Golden Age, Sloth 1, Dominion 5, Watch Tower, vs. Jotunheim.
2. Results
Research (73 rp): Conj 4, Alt 2, Evoc 2, Con 2, Ench 2, Thau 2, Bl 0
Gems: A 22+2, E 22+2, S 11+1, D 8+1, N 8+1
Treasury 139, Total Income 196, Upkeep 57
6 provinces
Magic Sites outside home: Arena, Chillsick Swamp
3. Future Goals
Continue territory expansion with mercenaries plus 1-2 mystics. Continue to recruit one philosopher or mystic per turn for research. Continue to concentrate on Conjuration research for summoning spells. Build a fort to secure the middle of the continent.
4. Evaluation and Comments
Expansion was below par. I was recruiting mostly commanders (almost all researchers), with only a few troops to make up for early casualties. For expansion, I relied on mercenaries, which were less frequently available than usual. I lost one battle and barely won another battle. In the past, research has been about 20 rp/turn higher because of finding a library and recruiting sages.
10 Turn Challenge!
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