I think it be interesting to be able to have secret alliances between computers and the human, allowed by facism or one of the techs you'd be getting in the 19th or 20th century, allowing for some fun ww1 style major conflicts. Seems a bit hectic though, I was thinking it should be optional, like permanent alliances.

So, Defensive Pacts that are invisible to everyone else? I quote Dr Strangelove: "The whole point of the Doomsday Machine is lost if you keep it a secret." The Defensive Pact is a preventative measure. Like nuclear warheads, it makes people afraid to attack you.

Play multiplayer. You can form secret allies there :mischief:

So, Defensive Pacts that are invisible to everyone else? I quote Dr Strangelove: "The whole point of the Doomsday Machine is lost if you keep it a secret." The Defensive Pact is a preventative measure. Like nuclear warheads, it makes people afraid to attack you.
The point was to trigger large scale wars between many different countries.
Just for fun.

No, not secret defensive pacts, secret alliances. Bring back alliances (mutual protection pacts) in addition to defensive pacts.

Any and all dealings should be able to made in public or private. There should be a cost (in gold, to both sides) for secret deals.

No, not secret defensive pacts, secret alliances. Bring back alliances (mutual protection pacts) in addition to defensive pacts.

Slightly OT, but that reminds me of how much I miss CivIII's Military Alliances. You're guaranteed to go to war as well, and both sides are locked in war until the deal is cancelled (which would now mean that you get resources or GPT payments as long as you both remain at war). As of right now, you can't go to war with the knowledge that you've got an ally: You have to declare first, then shop around (unless you find someone mercenary enough to go to war without you, but I think that costs more).

Play multiplayer. You can form secret allies there :mischief:

Especially in FFA.