Demanding tribute

[Alanna]

It's obvious from reading many of the strategies posted here, that demanding tribute from the AI civs can be a major source of income. I seem to almost never have it as a diplomatic option when contacting other civs. Can someone please enlighten me as to exactly when you can and cannot bully the AI into handing over their lunch money?

 

[BlueMonday]

It really only works on lower levels when the other civ is really freindly with you. If you're playing on king or higher, have a bad reputation, or were recently at war then asking for some scratch will only start another fight. It's pretty useful if you want to start a war without seriously damaging reputation.

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[starlifter]

You cannot demand tribute in a Democracy or Republic, though you can request a give from your "gracious ally". If you are Supreme, and/or enjoy a large tech lead, such demands will generally go unfulfilled at best, cancelled alliance at worst.

If you are small, and likely near the bottom of the pack in "power" (check the diplomatic advisor), your allies will likely tribute you after you meet their demands for a tech advance when you contact them.

Don't contact them too often... about every 4-6 game turns is generally OK, more often if you research is faster than that.

 

[GenghisK]

I think demanding tribute is not a good way to improve your treasury since it decreases your "popularity" for the other civs. The best way is (are):
_ barb leader hunting. Since they don't develop near civilised areas, you probably want to put some military units on isolated island and let them sentry. When barbs appear, fortify yourself and let the barb attack you. DO NOT attack them, for the leader will be killed too. Once every offensive units have been eliminated, go and hunt the leader for ransom. This is quite random so don't expect much income from that.
_ the best way is to trade, trade and trade again. Build caravans, send them oversea. Intercontinental trade always gives more.

So as you can see, asking tribute is very hard to succeed. Even though you have nuclear weapon.

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[drake]

In an AI game, ask your opponents for tribute every round.

Those slimeballs need to recognize

Really...trying to be diplomatic with the AI is futile. They weren't programmed that way.

 

[Magnus]

yea, that is a major reason why I don't always want to be a republic because even though it boosts money & science nicely, you lose the ability to bully your neighbors - and what fun is that?

 

[Alanna]

Thanks for the input. One of my favorite ways to play is as a Militaristic Republic with Women's Sufferage. Since a Republic doesn't have the option to demand tribute I rarely see it. I guess I have to earn my money the old fashioned way, raising taxes! I know I need to use caravan/freight units to establish trade routes more. I typically use them as my mobile Wonder Factory.