Marduk, have you seen the Finnish civ I posted here a few pages back?
Yes, I saw it in the first page in Pouakais list. Lend the idea for Sissi there, but sorry I missed the discussion about Finland starting from page 10 post 192. Just read it now. Good ideas and nicely stood up for our civilization there
aatami 
What did you think about my ideas?
I think the attributes are fine, but I do echo the concern about influence. For much of its history, Finland was controlled/dominated by other powers. Since World War I when they gained independence, the result has been mixed. The height was fighting the Soviet Union to a standstill, which was impressive, but you also have to keep in mind that, during this period, the Soviet Union expanded their influence over most of the rest of Eastern Europe, which was more impressive. Then you have to consider that the adoption of a policy of neutrality during the Cold War, which, while admirable from a real world perspective, doesn't do much in a historical perspective of including the dominant, influential Civs of the time. They've raised their standard of living and often win lists related to that, but this isn't the same as being a world leader for their "golden age.".
Yes, Finlands history is very much forgotten novadays, even for the Finns themselves. Thanks for this go mostly to the Swedes and also Russians, but sadly much damage has been done by the Finnish politicans too. Making us to forget our roots. If you click all the links in my
post 313 (which are plenty) Im sure everyone will get a better idea about Finnish history, people and Kalevala.
I chose Mannerheim to represent Finland because he is the only Finnish president I look up to. Of course his achievements during wartime speak for themselves. My idea for the Finnish civilization was to make it represent more beyond borders view ie. civ of
Finno-Ugric people. Though the capital would be Helsinki and all citynames from Finland.
I'm worried that they weren't influential enough compared to other possible civs.
Since J.R.R. Tolkiens Lords fo the Rings saga is based on Finnish culture Kalevala, what
else is even needed!?
Considering that Finns once ruled most of Scandinavia and what is todays western Russia and Estonia. Have thousands of years history, although most of the early history was memorized in oral form sung (Runonlaulaja) and early written form was written in rind (bark) in runic writing. And thus most of it hasnt survived to these days. Not to mention during Swedish occupation many early Finnish texts were burned or confiscated. I would say Finland is the most influential of all Scandinavian civs. I can understand more favoured romanticed view of Viking/Norse to represent Scandic people and thus Denmark in the game, but as Finland stands for whole other kind of take on Scandinavia it definitely deserves to be in the game. Again remember Finno-Ugric origin, entirely different background than rest of the Scandinavians. Also it has never been in Civ games so would be exciting new civilization to play with
It has been my dream and hope, as a avid Civilization fan/player for twenty years that one day there would be official (by Firaxis) Finnish Civilization in the game. I havent given up my hopes yet, but if the best (closest) thing we get is
Austro-Hungary to represent at least a bit of Finno-Ugric people I would be happy too. Seems like over at the
2K Forums Austo-Hungary has been somewhat popular and reached good points in polls. At least it would much much better than Sweden representing Finnish people!