Alright big news. Actually I violated one of our rules. I chatted to Provolution tonight. Actually, he was the one who contacted me. It turns out, they have just finished researching Writing this turn. So, suddenly the diplo window opens and he starts off congratulating us on our shiny wonder.
We start getting down to business, and I start blasting him for his Diplos taking their sorry ass sweet time in exchanging e-mails with us, and how important it is to get our messages going.
He mentions that his team isn't that experienced and most of them don't even show up anymore (I don't doubt this is primarily the truth). However, I would not underestimate the guy himself. He seems to know a bit about whos teching what and who is doing what. I'm sure they've been studying the scoring a lot more than we have.
He did think we were going after Theology right now. To be honest, I don't know if he REALLY thought that, or if he was just probing. But probing doesn't make sense anymore because we agreed that we should avoid duplicating techs, and keep trading up different paths. When I think about it, I can totally see how they would think we were going after Theo. It's quite possible that's what the other teams think we are going after as well.
He confirmed that around T65 they will have alpha and we can trade. I asked him if he had copper, he said no (I believe him), so it looks like they may not be that interested in Colossus, but naturally they'd love MC just for the benefit of triremes.
He indicated they will probably go after math then currency after Alpha. But also were thinking on going for CoL and hopefully grabbing the last religion with it. Haha, I hope they do! He mentioned for religion denial, but I think that's only part of the reason (wink).
They suggested we should maybe go up Iron Working (which is not a bad choice), also suggested Calendar, but most important mentioned Feudalism for LongBows. He did stress Feudalism, so I don't know. Maybe they are pretty worried about something...
I told him I was hoping to persuade my team to go after TGL (and yes that's telling the truth).
Anyhow, we'll have make up our minds in the near future.
BTW, he asked if we could open borders for trade routes. I told him I'd be happy to but had to clear it up with the team first, or I'd get into lots of trouble again. So, I am taking it up with you guys right now.
Technically, they get the bonus, and we won't. But I think we should still do it, because it will probably speed up their alpha sooner, and what's good for them is good for us. Not to mention, goes quite a way for improving our trust...
Pro also said if there are any more delays with their diplo guys, to drop him a PVM on the forum.