Privateers as guage of war intentions

[darski]

Is it likely that a Civ that sends out privateers is planning a war in the near future?

I'm wondering if they are the canaries in the coalmine... A swift destruction of them makes the AI hold off on war and a privateer win makes them advance the war?

any thoughts on this?

I really am not sure. As the human player, we are always a target but I'm just curious about this possible 'tell'.

 

[vmxa]

I would think that you cannot infer anything form seeing privateers. They like to build them and run them around. They think you do not know who owns it, when you usually do.

 

[darski]

Thank you. I trust your word on Civ stuff.

 

[vmxa]

Remember Reagan said, "trust, but verify".

 

[Lord Emsworth]

The AI does not need canaries. They know anyway what you have. And where.

 

[darski]

The AI does not need canaries. They know anyway what you have. And where.

But having is not necessarily using.

I have seen the AI turn around at the border when you follow the signals and boost your troops at an apparent attack site.

 

[GamezRule]

VMXA: Never quote Reagan in OT.

Anyway, usually never see a war follow privateer victories. I have horrible naval luck though and lose 70% of the time in equal battles. Things like Galley vs. Galley and the like.

 

[darski]

Strangely enough... Japan did declare war a few turns later after losing 3 privateers. They declared before catching a killing my spy. Oh well... best laid plans.

 

[vmxa]

Quoting someone says nothing about my position, unless the quote is a political statement. I have qouted Mao, but that does not make me a communist, just well read with a good memory (normally).

One could infer a position based on the quotes they use, but it may or may not be accurate. IOW people on both the left and the right could agree that the statement quoted as merit in many contexts.

 

[GamezRule]

I was kidding.

OT = Off Topic.

 

[CELTICEMPIRE]

privateers are like barbarians

 

[darski]

privateers are like barbarians

That's not true. They are purposely produced and sent after a specific Civ. Barbs are just out to get anyone they can take.

 

[GamezRule]

Not to mention that a certain civ is paying for them.

 

[CELTICEMPIRE]

I wish you could make it so that your allies wouldnt attack your privateers, I hate being at war and being attacked by my own allies ships

 

[beastie978]

Is the AI even capable of this level of strategy? I thought their decision making was largely a turn by turn recalculation of the odds and openings.

In any case, it usually seems like they just float their privateers along with the rest of the navy, which kinda spoils the secret.

 

[GamezRule]

Sometimes I see them dock one in a town, also.