I have played through this scenario extensively as well. I usually play as france to Try different Strats. As France I usually try to get 6-8 luxes, Cathedrals, colloseums, and 30% lux. This will allow my empire to flow nicely for a short time. By destroying the Dutch, and getting some alliances against the Portugese, and claiming Italy Quickly, WW drops to manageable levels. On Deity, where I conquered Britain and all their allies, France just rolled over everyone once the WW dropped. The Corruption reduction of Republic is huge. The Commerce bonus allows you to actually research. (Plus pulling a 7-fer on turn 30 doesn't hurt either) I can usually VP win by turn 45 with France.Justus II said:As I mentioned, I'll have to sit this one out, I won't be back until the 21st. However I have a question, mostly for Doc, who seems to have the most experience with this scenario. When I took a look at it a while ago, I saw that the French, in Republic, begin the game hit with max WW due to the locked wars. If they don't switch to Monarchy, how do they overcome that? Or is that just part of their disadvantage, and they have to pay lux to compensate. Admittedly, the Republic is the correct historical term after the Revolution, but wan't one of the final straws that Napoleon crowned himself emperor? Just curious how that is usually handled?