Researching magic techs as a trade fodder?

[Lone Wolf]

Ok, we know that all AI leaders who are not Arcane or Summoner are set to more or less ignore the magic techs. The rationale for that is makes sense - AI's use of magic is suboptimal, and if they don't have traits boosting their magic, they are better off using mundane troops.

That predictability allows you, as a human player, use the techs from the arcane line as a way to conduct n-fer trades with then, getting multiple mundane techs from the AI's. In some cases, that can allow you to climb out of a moderate tech hole.

Anyone else researches magic techs with the primary purpose of trading with the AI's?

 

[Monkeyfinger]

Don't do it with alteration. They know how to use haste and enchanted blade, the 2 biggest reasons to pursue that tech.

Aside from that it's a decent idea.

 

[odalrick]

I don't research the for the sole purpose of trading them. Why would you?

I do however think little of trading away magic tech when I already have them for my own purposes.

 

[JonathanStrange]

I'd say it's relatively safe to trade magic techs to the AI given their poor use of magic but their extreme interest in getting the tech.

 

[aswfreak12]

In my current Hippus game there are a few backwards civs that got clobbered by my pvp buddy. Since I can hire mercenaries and he usually forgets to ask for their money in tribute I'll trade small techs and the magic techs for $$ so I can buy mercenaries.

Since most of em aren't on my continent I don't have to worry about what they will or won't do. So it's perfectly viable and pretty much required for playing Hippus.

Even if they are on your continent or your next target, you've got enough movement, as Hippus at least, to suprise the AI anyway.

Another bonus for that is it makes them closer to being friendly to you, meaning you can ask for cash without having to supply a tech.