When do you build embassies?

[ummmm........]

Just curious. I usually build them right after I discover Philosophy, but it takes a lot of cash, and I was wondering if other people hold off. The only real benefit they have for me is the attitude bump, but that seems to be a significant and lasting bonus. So, when do you build them?

 

[Smellincoffee]

I build them if I need them to negotiate a treaty, but seldom otherwise.

 

[Turner]

When I get writing, when I meet them, and when I can afford it, in that order.

Usually I can count on one civ declaring war on me, and I like to dogpile that civ.

Here lately, I've been playing Most Agressive...it was interesting when Ghandi came to me and demanded tribute....

 

[Theoden]

I only build them when I have to negotiate ROP and alliances or when i absolutely must know who they have ROP or peace with.

 

[sabo]

At first I just have embassies in my neighboring AI civs, I might need one of them in time of war. Then it's usually more when I have the money.

 

[HellboundHeathcliff]

When I get writing, when I meet them, and when I can afford it, in that order.

This is the way i do it. Once you have an embassy, you can see who knows who and if any are at war.

 

[warpstorm]

I do it as early as I can afford it. It seems to help their attitude with you.

 

[ummmm........]

So then is it safe to say that no one really cuts back on research for a turn or two just to build an embassy?

 

[Ision]

-ASAP-


Ision

 

[CyberChrist]

If a civ is really close then ASAP otherwise I tend to wait until I need a ROP with them or if they start building a wonder so I can spy on city and see how it's production is (so I can abandon my attempt if they are fast or laugh heartily if they are slow).

 

[Gainy]

It's a waste of money unless you want to sign some kind of agreement, ie MA. Sometimes i'll establish one just to see how long a civ will take to complete tGL, and then choose to attack them

 

[gimmickless]

Same as Ision. In my games, I normally have a goodly-sized bank account, so I can afford to buy at least embassies with my neighbors. I'll continue to buy whenever I can until I have all of them. The AI attitude adjustment is helpful, and war alliances in the early-to-middle Middle Ages (against far-away Civs, usually) are a great way to keep the AIs busy so you can keep building mostly unscathed.

 

[MikeH]

I agree with Ision and Gimmickless, I want to know what they're up to .

 

[sikk]

Another vote for ASAP here.

 

[warpstorm]

It's a waste of money unless you want to sign some kind of agreement, ie MA. Sometimes i'll establish one just to see how long a civ will take to complete tGL, and then choose to attack them

I disagree with this. It seems to increase their liking of you just to have one. In addition, the diplomatic view of who is at war with who, etc. is absolutely essential for proper evil play.

 

[The Last Conformist]

Getting to know the location of their captial can be a nice bonus early on, too.

I usually open embassies ASAP with everyone on my continent. Overseas civs wait till I need on for a treaty, or they otherwise gain immediate relevance.

 

[HellboundHeathcliff]

The only time an embassy isn't worth it is if you are already in the process of destroying an early civ. Of course, i don't think you can establish one if you are at war anyway.

 

[Gainy]

It seems to increase their liking of you just to have one

I'd rather have 100 gold than have a better relationship with that civ. The AI will establish embassys with you anyways, and if you're going to destroy them, well it's a waste of money.

the diplomatic view of who is at war with who, etc. is absolutely essential for proper evil play

PLaying evilly isn't necessarily playing better I just attack the weakest civ that is next to me, or the civ with tGL. Evil has nothing to do with it

 

[EdwardTking]

ASAP too!

I play Monarch/Emperor 16 civs on large archipelago, large land mass worlds.

I have a feeling that I should establish my embassies just before my wonder city would amass enough shields to complete a lower shield wonder such as the Colossus or Oracle.

I.e. If I then see that none of the Civs are near me in Wonder construction, it may make sense for me to hold out for the Pyramids or Great Library.

But if I can see that some Civ is ahead of me on them, then it is better for me to switch production to take a low shield wonder.

There is nothing worse than being one turn from the Pyramids, another Civ gets that and then other civs switch to and get all the lower shield wonders; all in the same turn; leaving nothing for me!

 

[warpstorm]

See, Gainy, that is where your play style is different than mine. I like to toy with my enemies. I let them build up and then get them fighting in a three front war. Straight forward aggression is just not my style. (Incidentally, I pretty much only go for cultural victories and never raze, but that's just me).