advice

[kkapalk]

Hi people. My problem is when it comes to diplomacy I seem to be lacking. I usually find other civs start demanding techs off me or to stop trading with their enemies. I refuse to do so, as this would damage my civilisation. The problem is that the other civs then become annoyed (at least) with me and refuse to trade. How do I avoid this without throwing the game away by giving them all the outrageous things they ask for? Also could someone tell me how I can determine which religion is my state one, and which religion is best to try and convert other civs to, my state one or one of my others.
Thanks for reading,
Kev.

 

[Lithgon]

All religions are the same so it doesn't matter what one you choose. I would recomend going with the religion that is in the most of your cities.

With diplomacy I suggest choosing some civs to please (typically aggressive civs so you can bribe them to go to war) to please and just give other people enough stuff to keep them from attacking you. Also keep a stronger army and they won't demand as much from you.

 

[Meffy]

Think of a "demand" from moderately powerful, not hostile civ to be not an offense... but an opportunity to improve diplomatic relations. As Lithgon says, choose your friends carefully.

 

[Sisiutil]

Try Triangle Diplomacy: pick two civs to be your friends, let all the others get stuffed. Ideally they should be friends too (same religion if possible, not sharing borders). Usually one would be an aggressive one you can sic on other civs, the other would be more peaceful and great for tech trades. But neither should be your main rivals--middle-of-the-pack is best.

 

[King Flevance]

I generally do not give up anything initially. I like to see who all is out there and what stance they take before I get my feet wet in diplomacy. I try and determine which AI is in the best situation to be a good ally. Sometimes I go for their position on the continent. Sometimes I go based off their power or culture. Basically early game determine 1 friend. You help them or cave in whenever asked, and try not to demand/ask for help too much from them. (BTW I think this one sided diplomacy is rediculous)

Then watch that one AI's relations and see what route he takes. if he makes a friend, watch the friendship. You are now going to make 1-2 more friends along the course of the game. Who is up to you. However, I try to parallel my initial relationship. I do not want my friends fighting as it could result in me put in the crossfire mid-late game and then have no friends.

Religion should be used to benefit (based off which you have the most of in your cities) yourself. You could also go with a lesser influential one in your empire to improve relations with a friend.

 

[kkapalk]

Thanks for the replies, very much appreciated and very helpful.
Kev.