Whosit, Congratulations on a mostly peaceful term, you lucky dog. You thinking of running again or taking a step back for awhile? Is the Aegis staying together?
Somehow I imagine I wouldn't have much chance in this election if I planned to run. Too much of a good thing, perhaps.
But, I will give a very brief summary of my views on the list of things. Brief, because I need to get some sleep. Busy month ahead.
Technology
We have a pretty good shot at being the first to Rifling, so we should not let that go to waste. Well, I guess that's more relevant for a different section. If we acquire Engineering, Trebuchets should prove sufficient for our needs. With Redcoats (bonus vs. other Gunpowder units) and Cavalry (very good units), we'll have a major firepower advantage.
I would advocate, after Rifling, Astronomy, Chemistry and Steel. We may have to trade for Optics if we have not already. We'll want some Galleons to transport our troops, and getting to Cannons will be helpful, but hopefully the war will be over before we have to start building them.
In short: Focus on techs to help us militarily because we are planning for war. Peaceful techs can follow.
Great People
If we can get a Caravel built soon, sending the Great Merchant to the Americas would be ideal. I think it's too risky to send him out anywhere in the Old World, though. If he gets caught in the open when a War Declaration comes, it's over.
The Great Scientist would be best used for an Academy, I think. Half-bulbs aren't so hot at this point. I think we have one Academy somewhere. We'll want one in, oh, Ravus-York, if we don't have one already.
Foreign Policy
Ragnar has made it pretty clear that he has our heads in his crosshairs. His flagrant violation of our sphere of interest, while not an outright declaration of war, indicates his hostile intents. Our next term must see the expansion of the army, as well as vessels to transport them. Landing our forces on the Norse homeland is the best course of action. We will likely destroy the bulk of their army there.
Ireland is a Red Herring. While we're busy shuttling troops over there, Ragnar and his allies will be tearing through our eastern front. A swift, decisive strike will decide the war at the outset, and we can liberate Ireland at our leisure afterwards. We would certainly do the Irish no good if we allowed ourselves to be conquered. Several Redcoats will have to be stationed on the Home Island and in Iberia, of course. We can't continue to work with these outdated troops.
Carthage: Hannibal has proven to be a good trading partner during my term. We received many technologies from him. Attacking him, especially with a greater threat hovering over us, would be foolish. We have few friends, so I suggest that we do our best to cultivate relations with the Carthegans.
Domestic
Not only are some of our cities unhealthy, several have grown too large and are unhappy. A bit more attention must be paid to the well-being of our citizens. Unhealthiness, while unpleasant, is generally not a major concern. Making sure that all of our citizens are happy is more important. Of course, one option is to begin a large construction project and work many of the citizens to death... that clears up congestion very well.
Remaining in Organize Religion and Christianity may be best, after all, since we still need to build a great deal of infrastructure. Our cities are becoming specialized. Birmingham and Antium are our dedicated training centers. Many other cities are bringing in commerce, and they need buildings to maximize yields (Markets, etc. for Gold, Libraries etc. for Beakers).
While on this topic, I've hit a conundrum: Where to build Oxford University and Wall Street. Ravus-York is certainly the best site for Wall Street because of the pure gold income from the Shrine. Settling future Great Prophets, and even Merchants, there will provide a great bounty. On the other hand, Ravus-York is also one of our greatest commerce cities. I usually do not build these two national Wonders in the same place, but in this case, it may be the best option. Thoughts?
Edit:
Land here. We can bypass the river this way. Unless Ragnar has upgraded to Rifles himself, our Redcoats will shred whatever he has (bonus vs. Gunpowder and Mounted). We
will have to have sufficient siege to drop their defenses and attack the garrison.
Note: If we get Astronomy + Chemistry before the attack, Frigates can bombard city defenses, and siege units can attack the city.
Double Note: When upgrading units like Macemen and Swordsmen (we'll want to), give them as many City Raider promotions as possible. City-Raiding Riflemen/Redcoats are downright terrifying.
This'll be fun. I don't suppose I can "lead the attack"/play the combat rounds, eh?
Yeah, didn't think so!