What level should a person be playing to be able to contribute to an Immortal game? I'm really intimidated by the idea of playing something that high - I know a team helps a ton but don't really want to play if I'd totally need to be carried without being able to contribute.
I also am having computer problems so may not be able to make January start either way but just kinda wondering on what people think of the level to see how rushed I should be about getting my computer and Civ to stop fighting.
I didn't play Civ4 in ages, and when I did I never played above prince. But I thought the idea of the SGOTM was interesting and I joined and I was able to help.
It may seem as if only the players with the most knowledge of the game would help the team, but that's not true. The vast majority of all problems and decisions will be explained and discussed. Once they are explained everyone has the facts and it comes down to being more like a puzzle. Example: You want to attack an enemy and you have to decide when to declare war. So you need to find out how quickly you can get your units in position and how long it takes for your cities to
finish the last wave of up-to-date units they are building. And when will these units arrive at the front. Everyone knows all the facts (movement speed, building times etc) and it comes down to careful planing maybe the question if you want to wait two more turns for one more catapult or whatever. So your skill level isn't important.
You can also help the team just by keeping a clear head and stepping in if your team loses track of the goals and follows a plan that has long lost its purpose. Or maybe you are good with worker planing, or maybe you are a mind reader and can guess the mapmakers intentions well. Or you motivate the team by being active and friendly. There's a million ways to help.
And: The game runs for several months. After a week or two you will have caught up to your teammates, as they explain every decision. So even if you need training there's enough time to train you and for you making yourself useful in the same game.
About the computer problems: The game is long. If you need a while to get your computer in shape that's no problem. You just tag up, read the thread and take part in the discussion. Experience shows that the start is very slow anyway, as basic strategic decisions have to be made. The first turn will take days in most games.
If you are unsure, go to the signup thread and ask which team want you and there will be people happy to tag you up for sure. The community is very welcoming.