Saladin (Protective, Spiritual), starts with mysticism and Wheel
Unique Unit : Camel Archer (Resourceless Knight with an extra withdrawl chance), A decent but not particularly dominating UU however good with Flanking II added to the withdrawl bonus :
Madrassa (Library +4 culture and can run 2 priest specialists in addition to the scientists).
Mad's Opinion: A Slow starter equipped to run a religious game and perhaps a cultural win
Mad's Successful Holy Sal!
http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=253986
How to play with: (Patience, religion, culture)
Sal has 2 of the worse techs to get together, thus he is 1 tech from improving food, 2 techs away from military. Add that he starts with mysticism and the UB screams SHRINES, you may have your most difficult decisions with him early. The good news is that he can have a great economy with a shrine or two, great diplomacy if you play your cards right (swapping civics/religions to gain friends), and strong mid-game! Nail the pyramids and Ankor Watt and you have a powerful priest based economy (2 hammers, 1 gold, 3 beakers). Also aim for religious wonders that pile on such as The University of Sankore, Spiral Minerat, the Sistene Chapel (culture!), and of course the AP! I recommend deciding early which religion you want to shoot for, usually it's either Hinduism (first tech researched), Code of Laws (from Oracle), or Theology (Bulbed from a Prophet). Sal is one for defense, so get archery early and delay some of the other more glorious techs like BW/AH/IW a little more than usual (do play the maps though). The Piritual trat comes in handy at Nationalism, switch to Nationhood for 5 turns and draft 15 whatever (that's 3/turn) then swap back if you like. No other leader can abuse the draft like that (except Montezuma) and get 2 free promotions from the draft. When using the draft plus the UU Saladin can war pretty efficiently at this time period, however I have always felt the strength of Sal is Diplomacy and shoting for a Culture win!
What to expect from AI Boudica (favorite civic is Thoecracy): Saladin is a Zealot and will be either a faithful friend or bitter enemy, there is rarely a middle road. He also hates others not of his religion so you likely gotta go kelping him out alot. Also DO NOT underestimate or ignore him. He is a compitent war-monger and Techer, and a threat both militarily as well as space. Also if you are accumulating miscellaneous diplo penalties against him even if you have the same religion and theocracy do not be complacent, he has a tendancy to swap to Free Relgion late in the game and you may have a rude surprise on your hands.
