best non charismatic/agressive war mongers

[InFlux5]

Yeah I go with Mehmed too. Once I bee-lined to Janissairies I was a believer. Against the AI, and with a focused tech strategy, it's really not difficult to run roughshod over your opponents with Janissairies.

Fast expansion is the name of the early game, with every important piece of infrastructure built at a reduced cost. And the hammam? One of the best unique buildings in civ.

So yeah, another vote for Mehmed here.

 

[ac196nataku]

Creative is an underlooked trait for offense IMO. That free border pop gets really useful... Especially now that I've jumped from Normal to Marathon...

 

[Runner]

Creative is an underlooked trait for offense IMO. That free border pop gets really useful... Especially now that I've jumped from Normal to Marathon...

I agree. Creative means cheap libraries and theaters at 1/2 cost.

Once I have drama in hand I pop a theater in every newly conquered city. It's the cheapest building for culture and the strongest building for happiness. I always prioritize drama when warmongering and creative makes this tech even more valuable.

 

[laughingvulcan]

I'll start by saying that I have the Vanilla version of Civ IV, since so many people posting here seem not to.

Having said that, I usually prefer civs with a special unit that comes early in the game. The Chinese Cho-Ko-Nu is a strong archer unit that gives collateral damage. How fun is that?! I'll tell you. Very, very fun.

Also, though, Qin's industrious trait works well for warmongering. I've usually constructed the Pyramids playing Qin -- which not only gives you Representation and keeps your technology (i.e. military) level up, but if needed one can switch to the police state and its increased military production and reduction of war unhappiness. Also, the industrious trait helps with things like the Heroic Epic, West Point, and Chichen Itza, all very nice for a military strategy.

Lastly, Qin's other trait is financial, often believed to be the strongest trait. Anything that helps keep you up or ahead in technology will help with a war strategy.

So there's my two cents.