Take on a wife?

[Maximus Decimus]

"Are you kidding, why would you do that to yourself" - Yes I can hear the cries already, but think about it.
There are many other leaders and dignitaries out there. You could marry the princess of Wales and form a different form of alliance. This country would have a special bond with your nation, and there could be trade and economic bonuses in it for both. Not to mention, access sensitive information.
Of course, ladies, could take on a husband too.

 

[Rammstein]

Ummm... I dunno... your other idea (on trading/giving military units) was better

 

[MachDelta]

Yeah, royal relationships would be cool. Maybe not for you specifically, but possibly members of your familly. So like a prince from your civ and a princess from another civ get married, and it strengthens your relationship or whatever. Could be fun.
BTW, didn't MOO2 have a random event like this? Where two empires would have a marriage between them that would increase their relationship with eachother? Or was I daydreaming again?

 

[erickcid]

I like the idea of unions between nations being possible, whether in the form of marriage or diplomatic. The relationship between nations could prosper to where two or more nations could merge into one new nation or something similar to the european union and/or NATO.

 

[Suki]

wife ?
people still haven't realised that you aren't any spesific person but the collective conciousness of the civ you control, that's why you live 6000 years,
and i think until recent times often the daughters of the monarchs are implied in those bargins you negociate.

 

[Cashie]

Having wive(s)/husband(s) could be a good idea, but the scale of the game is a real limiting factor in terms of cementing alliances, brokering peace deals, etc. However, the main reason for royal marriages is of course for royal succession.
Perhaps there could be a means of having a succession system similar to that in [Medievel] Total War. That is having princes & monarch of varying skills (military command, economic acumen, religious piety, etc - which were in medieval) which act as factors to sucession to choosing an heir. Also different methods of selection could be used in different forms of government.

Keep in mind that different courntries had subtle differences in who would rule. For example: the position of Holy Roman Emporer (Germany) was technically elected (it usually fell to the eldest son of the emporer/kaiser/king, however). Ottoman sultans traditionally were forbidden to marry, taking only concubines from the harem and having no more 'congress' with her after the birth of a son. In most pre-Christian kingdoms & empires the ruler had many wives and concubines (often given as a form of tribute).

Just a thought, this may overcomplicate things though...

 

[CivCube]

There is actually a new game out (Crusader Kings) that is all about royal ties and relationships. The idea for Civ is interesting...don't know if it would be necessary for it to be an integral part of the game. Maybe have it be flavorful but not needed, like palaces and city views?

 

[Rammstein]

Maybe the idea of marriages and such already is handled well enough with reputation and the ability to make alliances? Depending on how well you behave, you get better reputation, and with better rep follows a better relationship with the other civs. I don't think the game needs more factors. Maybe a mix between Civ3 and The Sims...? That would be a huge game, if not impossible

 

[Denarr]

It would be one of those 20 turn deals that acts like a weak MPP and improves attitutes between the active participants.

This would allow for the limited lifespan of the mates, and simulate the fact that these things tend to wear out after a while, just like any other trade.

 

[AdHHH]

You'd have to have husbands too, obviously, but what could you possibly gain from Wales, I mean, have you ever been there?!?!?!