I think war bribes will become necessary at some point to slow down the tech speed of the AI. If they start pillaging cottages, then their tech speed will slow down, and they'll be less inclined to have OB with each other which makes the research rate slower as well. We can only compete so much with one city doing all the research. But we can worry about that in the future...
That being said, I had a lot offers for trades etc. since I didn't divulge any of our secrets.
First, Asoka came by:
Asoka came again:
Next was Hannibal:
And last was Brennus on the last turn I played (I think I played 14 turns)
They were all sent packing.
Now for research, I switched to music as suggested by GreyFox. We won the race but the bulb was for monarchy. I decided to settle the GA instead of bulbing or saving for a GA (golden age) since the artists gives +3 beakers under representation and we can try to raze some cities with a culture push. Plus, we're going to be using our first GS for an academy anyways and we'll have better uses for a GE, so I don't think we'll be pulling a GA anytime soon. Thus, the decision to settle.
Speaking of GP's, we popped a GE who is waiting in the capitol. Feel free to rush a wonder of your choice, but I would urge that we avoid artist buildings as much as possible since we're going to have two sources already with the NE and Globe. NE will complete next turn and we can build the Globe after that. The Globe will complete before we pick up a red shirt anyways. I have not had luck on a religion spreading to us though
I also picked up two trade deals - one for :Smilie: with Asoka that we should cancel once the Globe is complete. Another is for fish with Wang.
And I found out why Washington's score sucks so much for an emperor AI:
Poor guy! The religions have also started to spread amongst the AI. I think Brennus and Hannibal are going to become one block as warmongers and Asoka + Hatty will be the peace buddies. I don't know which side Wang will fall on...
Research went music --> CoL --> CS. I also got a free 200 gold off of Wang (he had about 640 when I relieved him of some of his cash).
And finally my joke. I hope you guys have some appreciation for math and your momma jokes (this might be an American thing though).
Your mom's so fat, the integral of your mom is fat + a constant C, where C is more fat
Edit: Oh and don't forget to cancel our gold for cow deal with Brennus once the Globe is complete. I'd rather not pick up penalties for trade embargoes (either for doing it or refusing to do so) if we can help it since the key to winning this game will probably be diplomatic manipulation.