Some game mechanic questions (and spec-related one)

[aersch]

Another thing. In this picture: http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=namnlsgc1.jpg
Is this optimally a production city or a commerce city?

Thanks.

 

[Skallagrimson]

So the ratio between food, production and growth stays the same? That is, if the population increases, so does also the food production, together with mines?

The ratio changes based on what kind of tiles you have, but I was going with a simplistic example of 3 grassland farms supporting 3 grass hill mines (pre-biology).

 

[aersch]

The ratio changes based on what kind of tiles you have, but I was going with a simplistic example of 3 grassland farms supporting 3 grass hill mines (pre-biology).

I see. So if the tiles don't change, then the production and food usage increase proportionally as the city grows?

 

[EmperorFool]

A unit pump at size 18 is obviously going to pump the units faster than one at size 12, with 3 farms supporting 3 more mines.

Of course, because the city has more production. It doesn't pump units any faster due to the extra population--it's the tiles that population is working that have the effect.

So the ratio between food, production and growth stays the same? That is, if the population increases, so does also the food production, together with mines?

The higher population allows you to work more tiles, and the yields on those tiles determine the extra output of the city. If you work Grassland tiles with that extra population, obviously the : ratio decreases, but if you build Cottages on those same tiles, the : ratio will increase as well.

My point is that you have to examine each tile individually. Cities have no inherent - or -ratios. The sum of the yields of all the tiles you're working in that city make up the city's yield.

 

[aersch]

Thanks, I misunderstood a little.
I thought that for one tile, the workers increased as the population increased.

Still wondering regarding this pic: http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=namnlsgc1.jpg
Just as an example, is this good for commerce or production? My guess is commerce, since there aren't that many hills, but I'm not sure.

 

[EmperorFool]

Another thing. In this picture: http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=namnlsgc1.jpg
Is this optimally a production city or a commerce city?

It's hard to tell, but it looks like those are Sheep on the farmed tile 1W of the city. You should research Animal Husbandry and build a Pasture on the tile. That will yield 4 1 I think--definitely more than the 3 you're getting from it now (though a Farm is better than nothing until you research AH).

Even with the Sheep, this city is going to languish until Biology makes all those Plains tiles worthwhile. Sure, you can work the riverside ones now by Farming them for 2 1 1 which is marginally better than working Grassland Forests, but the city will probably cost you more than it puts out for some time.

Turning the city into a production city, however, you can use the from the Sheep and the city's tile to work both Grassland Hill Mines and both Plains Hill Mines for a total of 15 (counting the city's tile too). Had I settled here, that's what I would do with the city until Biology.

Once you have Biology, you're only real option would be to Farm four of the Plains to allow you to work Mines on the two Desert Hills, giving you an extra 10 (4 from the Plains tiles themselves, 6 from the Mines).

Turning the city into a commerce city, the best you can do is build Cottages on the 5 Plains tiles and one of the Grassland Hills (effectively a flatland Plains tile yield-wise). Early game, you won't be able to grow past 6 anyway, but as you raise your happy cap (your population limit due to happiness), the city won't be able to grow any larger due to its poor food options. Once Biology rolls in, the only way to take advantage of the better farms would be to plow under your grown Cottages--not a good option.

Given that, this sad little 'burb should be relegated to production for its lifetime.

 

[batavier]

Given that, this sad little 'burb should be relegated to production for its lifetime.

The sad little 'burb is the mongolian starting capital in the earth 18 civ scenario.
It could have been founded 1E to get another sheep.

Given
- the mongolian reputation for agression and horsemanship
- it's unique unit
- the presence of rich lands to the southeast with an obscene amount of resources.
- The fact that the chinese capital is in the way.
- the 2 sheep tiles

I think it should have been obvious what the initial strategy should be and what tech should be researched at once

 

[EmperorFool]

I think it should have been obvious what the initial strategy should be and what tech should be researched at once

Fishing?