Greetings. I would like to solicit input from my fellow "fanatics" regarding the situation of an opponent significantly ahead of all others, colloquially known as a "runaway" civ.
Specific example: The Mayans are approximately 200 score ahead of me (Nader Shah/deity), start of the Renaissance, and it seems a good margin ahead of everyone else too. They are also located on a different continent.
We can assume I will launch an all-out espionage war on the Mayans, this is a given, but I fear it won't sufficiently hinder their progress.
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Option 1: Wage War - They are far away and significantly ahead in terms of technology - by the time I muster a sufficient army and reach their territory, I doubt I will have much success, nor be able to hold any cities I take. This would also hinder my own development greatly.
Option 2: Engage in a proxy war using city-states and other civilizations - I don't have suzerainity over any neighboring city-states currently. I only have one alliance right now. Waging war could backfire and lead to the defeat of my ally, who is also far behind the Mayans.
Option 3: Strengthen my civ by plucking territory from a weaker neighbor. (Option 3 seems like the best strategy, even though I don't like conquering).
Option 4: Mass conversion of their cities may weaken them some at relatively little cost to me, if it can be done. (Also a good choice)
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Anyway, I am asking for input from others - what would you do in this situation? Am I overlooking anything? Thank you for sharing.
Specific example: The Mayans are approximately 200 score ahead of me (Nader Shah/deity), start of the Renaissance, and it seems a good margin ahead of everyone else too. They are also located on a different continent.
We can assume I will launch an all-out espionage war on the Mayans, this is a given, but I fear it won't sufficiently hinder their progress.
____________________
Option 1: Wage War - They are far away and significantly ahead in terms of technology - by the time I muster a sufficient army and reach their territory, I doubt I will have much success, nor be able to hold any cities I take. This would also hinder my own development greatly.
Option 2: Engage in a proxy war using city-states and other civilizations - I don't have suzerainity over any neighboring city-states currently. I only have one alliance right now. Waging war could backfire and lead to the defeat of my ally, who is also far behind the Mayans.
Option 3: Strengthen my civ by plucking territory from a weaker neighbor. (Option 3 seems like the best strategy, even though I don't like conquering).
Option 4: Mass conversion of their cities may weaken them some at relatively little cost to me, if it can be done. (Also a good choice)
__________
Anyway, I am asking for input from others - what would you do in this situation? Am I overlooking anything? Thank you for sharing.