[BTS] Help me learn to diplo in Emperor.

[Outlandish]

So every couple years Civ4 gets it hooks in me again and I try to work my way back to Immortal. Diplo is generally what I consider the weakest part of my game (although building enough troops to matter is probably close).

This game is exactly the type of situation that stymies me every time. I'm isolated as Justinian, 6 turns from finishing my Astro bulb. I just met the final AI and have not made any trades or opened borders and wonder what I should be looking to do from here. I generally try to keep everyone happy and naturally fail to do so.

From my experience what will happen in this game is that Charley will somehow be a force despite being the only one in his religion. Joao will manage to keep everyone happy and tech peacefully until he vassalizes everyone.

When I look at the relations it seems the only people safe to trade with are Izzy and Joao. Louis seems like the natural first target if I want to go to war, but then Charley would seem the likely next target and he won't be soft.

None of the AIs are generally great techers, so I'm inclined to just try for space but have no confidence in my ability to prevent a runaway Joao or Charley.

And before anyone mocks my Pyramids without stone, it's just a Justinian thing, I haven't been able to break that habit.

It's been a while since I've uploaded; the game is modded by BUG and Blue Marble if it matters.

 

[Gumbolt]

There are serious issues with your early game play here. Hence why you are struggling tech wise here. By 1290ad I would expect liberalism.

Second city 2240bc is late for an imperialist leader. Did you go worker first at start? Albeit agriculture/AH would of slowed you down a few turns.
Third city 575bc is about 1500 years too late. With 1-2 mines and pigs that should bring a settler in 5-7 turns?

There is no reason why you couldn't have 4 cities by 1800bc or so? Most of that forest should be gone by now.

The AI here likely have a lot of techs you lack here. This will be an uphill struggle.

2 great people by this date is not good. Are you using scientists?

 

[Outlandish]

This is an issue with me and Justinian. I play him stupidly, goofing off, and enjoy it. That I'm not worried about, I'm winning fine on Emperor even with isolated starts (aside from Justinian games ). Sometimes I think I'm better isolated, or at least I feel I understand them better. Being in the mix messes with me.

What I'm worried about is what do experienced players look at when they first get contact with everyone, and it looks like there isn't an obvious block to join, and one AI that can probably stay out of the wars until they're ready to win.

 

[Gumbolt]

Your trades will be limited here as you are missing so many early techs. Many AI will consider you too advanced if you trade x techs with other AI.Especially if you back fill all these 90-200 beaker techs for one of your own.

Gilga and HRE are at war with each other. Any big trade with these will cause -4 diplo hit. Power ratings will also make Ai more likely to declare on you. Albeit they would need a fleet. No shared borders helps.

Leaving you with very limited other trades. Note Isabella is also someone else's worst enemy.

You could gift resources or trade resource for gold to improve diplo. Need astronomy? Otherwise open borders would also help with diplo.

Astronomy might be a good trade bait.

 

[Fippy]

First thing i look at: what can i get from them
Trades like this one are a no-brainer

Spoiler :

I only take gold no small techs, want to avoid trading for them so AIs trade longer with you (we fear you are becoming too advanced = based on number of techs you get from trades).
Next you could pick up Engi from Lou.
Charlie now annoyed, Giggles his worst enemy..no problemo

Spoiler :

Look for those opportunities with older techs (or those that most other AIs know already), dun sit on them greedily they are perfect for diplo.

Open borders with everybody (+2 diplo over time), refuse if somebody complains (can fade again).
Never stop trading with anybody.

Turn up your slider (always 100%) and tech Astro, no need to spend your next GS and wait with CS trade. If you run out of gold, use wealth in some cities.

 

[rah]

Start a game with no tech trading. It will teach you all the other nuances of Diplo. Once you have mastered them, it will be much easier when you play tech trading.

 

[Outlandish]

Thanks for the replies! I think I might tend to do things backwards as my usual go-to from isolation is to build up a bit of military power so I'm not too tempting and then trade around Astro to backfill and win by space. Try and get friendly with someone as I do end up with WFYABTA problems at times.

And I'll give no trading a shot a few times; I've done no brokering before but never straight up no trades.