Not-very-astute symbology questions

[1940LaSalle]

Chances are I'll do a passable Homer Simpson and say "d'oh!" when I see the answers. Anyhow...

* Generic: is there a comprehensive symbology key somewhere, either on line or within (say) the Civilopedia?
* Generic: in the technology tree, I've seen a number of the techs with a blue circle with a slash through it in the upper right corner of the technology icon. When first noticed, I saw that on a dead-end technology (e.g., music theory) but since then I've noticed it on techs that are precursors to others (e.g., on printing press, which leads to free artistry and democracy). What's that all about, please?
* Specific: recently I completed Sun Tzu's Art of War. Some few turns later (no idea how many), I noticed that all (I think) of my cities had a horizontal white diamond, outlined in black, with a horizontal sword-like symbol within, found near the city name. Don't recall whether I've been diligent about placing barracks everywhere (although that's possible), so is that the indication that there's a barracks within that city?

Thanks for your indulgence.

 

[Lone Wolf]

since then I've noticed it on techs that are precursors to others (e.g., on printing press, which leads to free artistry and democracy).

It means that the tech is not required for next era anvancement.

recently I completed Sun Tzu's Art of War. Some few turns later (no idea how many), I noticed that all (I think) of my cities had a horizontal white diamond, outlined in black, with a horizontal sword-like symbol within, found near the city name. Don't recall whether I've been diligent about placing barracks everywhere (although that's possible), so is that the indication that there's a barracks within that city?

Duh, Sun Tzu's Art of War provides a free Barracks in all the cities on the continent where it's built.

 

[Turner]

Chances are I'll do a passable Homer Simpson and say "d'oh!" when I see the answers. Anyhow...

* Generic: is there a comprehensive symbology key somewhere, either on line or within (say) the Civilopedia?

Maybe the FAQ thread. Aside from your question below, usually if you hover over an icon it'll tell you want it does.

* Generic: in the technology tree, I've seen a number of the techs with a blue circle with a slash through it in the upper right corner of the technology icon. When first noticed, I saw that on a dead-end technology (e.g., music theory) but since then I've noticed it on techs that are precursors to others (e.g., on printing press, which leads to free artistry and democracy). What's that all about, please?

That means it's an optional tech and not required to advance to the next age. However, if you want to start researching Future Techs for those amazingly score-increasing five points each, you will need to have all techs researched before doing so.

* Specific: recently I completed Sun Tzu's Art of War. Some few turns later (no idea how many), I noticed that all (I think) of my cities had a horizontal white diamond, outlined in black, with a horizontal sword-like symbol within, found near the city name. Don't recall whether I've been diligent about placing barracks everywhere (although that's possible), so is that the indication that there's a barracks within that city?

Thanks for your indulgence.

Yes it is. Sun Tzu's grants a free barracks in every city on the same continent.

 

[1940LaSalle]

D'oh!

Thanks to Lone Wolf and Turner.

 

[NickyH]

a comprehensive symbology key

If you mean what I think you mean (English is not my first language) you could click on the icon in Turners signature. Its a link to a PDF with all units, techs, city improvements and lots of other stuff in Civ3C.

 

[capnvonbaron]

I would also recommend reading civilopedia a to z, skipping the history parts of course. I learned quite a bit just by doing that.

 

[againsttheflow]

What do you mean skipping the history parts?! How are then supposed to turn around and say that even though you weren't exactly doing homework you were doing something very educational...

nb: I've never read the history parts a-z myself but then, I've never read the civpedia a-z either...