adivisor changes my production

[wools2]

Hi,
I am new to CIV3 and learning all the time. I have only just bought the CIV 3 complete edition and tend to get creamed on the higher levels. I am currently playing on the second highest difficulty (Warlord I think) and have come across a problem when I add items to the production queue.

This has occorred when I have added the Forbidden Library and again when I added Leonardo's Workshop to a cities' production. Each time it will take upwards of 30 turns to produce. After about 10-15 turns the Science advisor (im pretty sure its him !!!) pops up and tells me that city xxxxx has stopped producing the Library (or the Workshop) and has switched production to a Colliseum or something.

I cant find out why this has happened ?? It gives me no option to change back and I cant seem to get the item back in the city queue. Anyone help ??

Wools

 

[Jokeslayer]

If it's only happening with great wonders, the most likely reason is that someone else has built it first, so it's no longer available to you.

 

[NickyH]

Yeah, there can be only one of each great wonder in the world. Small wonders can be built by all Civs in the world.

I guess you mean second lowest difficulty? If you're really playing on the second highest, (Deity) you should try to learn the game on lower levels. Civ is a game that's harder to learn than any other game I've ever played, and it takes a long time to get the hang of it.

Good luck, and don't get addicted to building wonders! It's better to not build too many of them while learning the game.

 

[wools2]

I hadnt thought of that but now you mention it, it makes perfect sense. I am playing on the second lowest difficulty as you are right - it is one of the hardest games that I have had to learn. I have abandoned more civ3 games after getting soundly thrashed than I care to mention.

I have still not got past the Middle Ages yet !! Very rewarding game though and very addictive !!

Thanks
Wools2

 

[Xeer]

Welcome to the forum, wools2
Yeah, it's hard to learn, but it's worth it!
Read the strategy articles, they'll help a lot.
The 4 Rules of Wonder Addiction did me a lot of good when I started playing.
Also, when you have questions, go ahead and post them. Most members are glad help new players.

 

[Lord Emsworth]

If you are really new, make sure you set your preferences to "Always wait at the end of the turn." That is if you haven't done so already. Without this option set, it is hard to play decently.

 

[Sweetchuck]

Insubordinate advisers - off with their heads.

 

[wools2]

OK I have now found the preferences screen !!!! Told you I was new. I guess the pause option helps you take stock after each turn so that you can plan the next go ??

One thing I have found frustrating is that I am always slow to expand ( I am getting better) and find that I am 5-10 or so cities behind my rivals. I guess at this point you have to look around and see who you can wipe of the map ?? I suppose a bit of diplomacy is required so that you can gang up on one of the AI opponents ??

Wools

 

[Aabraxan]

OK I have now found the preferences screen !!!! Told you I was new. I guess the pause option helps you take stock after each turn so that you can plan the next go ??

Yes, that's exactly what the "always at end of turn" does, and having it on will make the game easier. How else is one supposed to make a decent ham sandwich during the Siege of Baltimore?

One thing I have found frustrating is that I am always slow to expand ( I am getting better) and find that I am 5-10 or so cities behind my rivals. I guess at this point you have to look around and see who you can wipe of the map ?? I suppose a bit of diplomacy is required so that you can gang up on one of the AI opponents ??

Wools

Yes, a bit of diplomacy (& and embassy and something of value) are required to make alliances and gang up on the AI civs. My usual pattern for expansion is: (1) expand until I run out of room; (2) go make more room; (3) rinse and repeat.

If you're 5-10 cities behind your opponents at Warlord, it's time to talk about your Rapid Expansion (aka REX) phase. A successful REX phase can make all the difference in the world. In the early game, Food is King. Gold and shields are nice, but there's no substitute for food at that stage. Workers need to improve food bonus tiles (wheat, cows, etc.) first. Generally, these need to be irrigated. Then, as long as you're in despotism, they should "mine green and irrigate brown." Check on your cities often to ensure that your citizens are working high-food tiles. Eventually, they'll hit maximum growth (6 or 12 (if on fresh water or have an aque)), and extra food at that point is wasted. But if you keep peeling off settlers and workers, it can be a while before your cities max out on population.

I also suggest learning to use settler pumps and worker pumps. They're very powerful tools. A couple of War Academy articles that I'll recommend are:

• Cracker's Opening Plays; and
• Bamspeedy's Deity Settlers.

There are many other useful articles in the War Academy, but those two are especially useful for learning to use settler and worker factories.

One other article that I'll recommend is Warmongering 101: A Tactical Primer. This one will help you get acquainted with the basics of Civ 3 warfare.

 

[wools2]

Thanks. The war article is a bit 'heavy' at the moment but I will keep it next to me for future reference.
I get to the stage where I have no more room and my economy is slow and therefore my research etc. is slow. I think Ill try diplomacy first and then try and beat someone up !!

Wools

 

[Aabraxan]

That happened to me with a few War Academy articles, too. Took several readings & some Civving before I really understood what I was reading.

Two more suggestions: (1) Pick your victory condition early. That will help you figure out what you need to build and where. Not every city needs a barracks, library, temple, courthouse, colosseum, university and cathedral. (2) Post a save. It's much easier for players around here to give specific advice if they can actually see what you've done.

 

[Bowsling]

In the military advisor screen your advisor will show you the strength of your army compared to others. That can help a lot when trying to decide who to invade.
BTW, I might suggest Chieftain if you keep getting whooped on Warlord?

 

[wools2]

I did have a few goes at Chieftain level and I am doing better now so not too many whoopings !!
With most new games you can start and in the 'middle' or normal settings and get on straight away but Civ3 needs a good few sessions at the very low levels before you get used to the concepts etc.

I will post a save in future so that you guys can provide those expert tips.

Wools

 

[Aabraxan]

Just one more quick suggestion, Wools. Look down in the Succession Games forum (a sub-forum of Stories and Tales) and look around for some games labeled Training Day Game or TDG for short. In those games, a more experienced player leads a bunch of lower-level players through a game. Lots of great discussions on the hows and whys of Civ 3.

 

[Bowsling]

target which cities to take first while planning an invasion, and place troops on the frontier accordingly. don't forget siege units, those can help a lot, even more as you move up on difficulty