Dynamic Traits

[Teabeard]

I know this is not realistic, but wouldn't it be great if Civ traits weren't fixed? What if your actions and policies determine what traits you have? For example, say you consider it a priority to build trade infrastructure in all your cities and you do this above anything else, then the game realized this and rewards you with the Commercial trait. If you build alot of ships and harbors and have alot of coastal cities perhaps you'd be rewarded with the seafaring trait. And so on...

What do you guys think of this idea as opposed to the fixed traits we have now? I know some will disagree with me, so I say how about we make this optional? That way we can have it both ways...

 

[rhialto]

Isn't this the inverse of placing the civ in terrain that reflects their traits? Perhaps I was going a little far, in that rivers really do give a huge bonus if you start sitting on one, but I do think the basic principle is sound.

 

[Teabeard]

Isn't this the inverse of placing the civ in terrain that reflects their traits? Perhaps I was going a little far, in that rivers really do give a huge bonus if you start sitting on one, but I do think the basic principle is sound.

Yeah, your thread did inspire this one. Your idea would be alright if things were more balanced.

 

[Aussie_Lurker]

Hey, I've been saying the same thing since almost the start of this forum !
Personally, I'm happy with civs STARTING with the traits as they currently stand, but I definitely feel that these traits should be flexible over the course of the game-as a result of game-play factors and starting positions.
For instance, consider a civ with an expansionist trait who is surrounded by hostile terrain, well they probably aren't going to do much expanding, instead focusing on building the few cities they can build into commercial, industrial and scientific powerhouses, which would cause them to lose their expansionist trait, to be replaced with one of the three I mentioned above.
Similarly, a civ that is all alone on a Landmass is not going to have much use for its militaristic trait, instead focusing on science and expansion (as it has the room), thus changing its traits accordingly!

Yours,
Aussie_Lurker.