My initial priorities were to build a solid base for science with at least four cities, and Tradition tree. I thought it might be tough with a crowded map and raging barbs, so I started with Tradition opener then the Honor opener.
I teched for Plantations, then Mining, and then went for Philo and Drama & Poetry while building the GL in the capital. with the GS I bulbed Theology T76 to get the Long count going. I think I misuderstood how the long count works. I expected to get another Great Person right away, but it seems I have to wait till the end of a calendar cycle. I imagine this is the same every game. Is it turn 85 or something? good to know for planning purposes next time. I also think it's funny how the game says the year is 5.14.15.6.2 on the Mayan Calendar - which is 850 BC in the rest of the world. Huh?! The rest of the world is counting down till the birth of Christ?!? how do they all know when he's coming?
I believe the rest of the world is counting the years of rule of King-Whoever.
BTW, I really like the Mayans. Archers without having to research archery is cool, and I LOVE the pyramid UB! I'm not too crazy about building shrines that produce only 1 faith, but a shrine that produces twice as much faith, PLUS 2 science, awesome! Plus, I just founded my religion T77 (Mayanarama) and took the Feed the World option for +1 food in Shrines and Tmeples (applies to Pyramid too).
I also took the Oral Tradition for Pantheon, and also Tithe for the Religion. I think Tithe is amazing for cash, and should be great for a Diplo game.
This game was very peaceful at the start and I got good trades from all my neighbours and both Austria and Sweden Declared Friendship with me for quite a while, even after I planted my fouth city they remained Friendly. (bought 2 settlers and built one) But then I planted my fifth city near Stockholm (with another bought settler) around turn 74, which didn't initially piss them off, but then I drained my treasury to buy a Monument there T77. I think that, and maybe the founding fo religion turned them against me. both Austria and Sweden Denounced me T77when I founded the religion, and T78 then both DOWed me.
see attached image for what the map looks like at T81.
They didn't show up with any troops yet though, so I'm not sure how much of of threat they are. I'm racing my units back from helping City States though, and just took the Oligarchy SP for city defence. I'm hoping to use this opportunity to take Stockhom for the Furs and Salt he has. Maybe Vienna too?
I just have one more policy left (Aristocracy) to finish the Tradition tree, and then I think I'll move on to Patronage and forget about Liberty.
re: > How did you organize and improve your chosen city site given the low food?
I just settled in place and figured I'd just deal with the slow growth at the start by building a Granary, hoping for some Maritime allies, taking food based Beliefs, and quickly settling some other cities with lots of food. The jungle hexes could be really good later with Trading Posts in them.
Re: > What is different in your G&K start versus what you would have done in vanilla?
Seems like a different game now. before it was all about Liberty, early settler. Now it's about kickstarting faith, and city growth rate.
Re: > Did you find any other civs and when did you meet them? What did you think of your opponents?
Just the Celts, Austria, and Sweden. I liked them at first when they they were all playing nice and giving me gold. I might like them even better after they give me their capitals!
I've really enjoyed this game so far. Thanks Lief!