I started an AWE game of my own for practice, and the start is excellent. Ottomans, 70% continents, standard. The start has a 3 tile choke, iron nearby, perfect GL city location, cow, river, and plenty of BG by the capital, and no neighbors in sight. I have already played 50 turns though.
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I'm dissapointed I couldn't join your game series sooner because it is very well done. I'm tempted to quit or play less Civ everyday, so I understand you have to do what you have to do.
If anyone is interested in playing one of these three AW games I posted: