The polls for war goals were almost identical to the first ones, same with the razing polls. We have been discussing Bureaucracy and vassalage for weeks now. Heroic Epic has been in the works for a longer time, several turnchats.
These polls came one day quicker than normal, under normal circumstances, then again, Methos played one day later than originally planned.
I hope the respect for real life go both ways in this game, in particular for a day only. Especially when we have been discussing wonders for a longer time (Heroic Epic), the war with Germany and its war objectives (at least we have maps this time, not having seen many of those in the polls).
So I am tired of trading pot shots for no real reason, unless of course someone wanted to change the war to Rome right away, or someone wanted to end my efforts on Heroic Epic (seems someone has very strong opinions on this, discussion or no discussion) or someone wanted me to simply stop arguing a case, it seems. Even the advisory polls for war goals was a problem.
Most issues these days seem to be a problem. But when discussions are lacking, it is not a problem at all, then it is business as usual.
Besides, it is a big chance we may need to repoll the location of Heroic Epic between Pisae and Coppertown, as there seem to be a split on how the game should be played, and the matter of naval vs. isolationalist goals. I haven't seen discussions leading in any new direction, except for the initiative to end the German War now and start a Roman one. I think most players see the two options of shortening the German border permanently with tying up Colognes eastern flank, to improvizing a war against the Romans. Since the garrison in Pisae was forgotten in the instructions, someone would expect this to happen, but that would be for the next TC to decide.
But, it seems I am losing the Vassalage poll once again, it seems we are to repoll the Heroic Epic if there is a close tie Pisae/Coppertown and it seems Munich will be the Forbidden Capital. National Epic I put into the discussions.
Notice I did not poll all of the topics that is felt urgent.
For the razing polls, that is a standard procedure I intend to follow in wars, since we may like to place our cities where we want them to later.
However, this Warlord would make sure no Germans settle new cities south or barbarian cities pop up. This, like other things, were neglected before I came in.
However, to make sure you get the discussion time you require, please post some discussion threads, and people will participate.
For Forbidden Palace, I was willing to discuss more, and National Epic was not put up as a poll at large, merely as a discussion. Remember that Civ 4 is much more complex than Civ3, and require more decisiveness and pace. I think it was Methos amongst others who wanted 5 days between turnchats. I merely followed that by putting up these polls after 2 days discussions following turnchat. For those wanting an immediate Roman War, I can see that they would like to have another day to turn people's minds in their direction.
But that has nothing to do with the pacing of the game, that is more political.
If someone really really wants a Roman War next TC, please put up a poll, or discussion, and I make sure in the instructions I send some forces west and north. Still, I recommend a 10-15 turn long peace to catch our breath. Knitting up the Eastern border by shortening or exposed border to Germany from 20 tiles to 2 tiles would help tremendously.
You are of course free to set up citizens polls (like the Longbowman one), or invalidate these in court. You are also free to set up discussion threads.
About moves for next TC, several of them have been discussed in advance for several turnchats now.
