Why can't I open up relatiosn with a City-State?

[jjkrause84]

Anyone else frustrated that, aside from giving gold, you have to wait for a city-state to ask YOU for help? Why can't I offer help or my protection or what-have-you? I'd love to see a system implemented where I can offer to build roads to a city-state or to protect them from barbarians, etc.

 

[TeddyBearsDoLie]

Pledge to protect? It doesn't improve your relations with them though.

 

[jtwood]

Anyone else frustrated that, aside from giving gold, you have to wait for a city-state to ask YOU for help? Why can't I offer help or my protection or what-have-you? I'd love to see a system implemented where I can offer to build roads to a city-state or to protect them from barbarians, etc.

I figured we'd at least be able to trade resources with them.

 

[jjkrause84]

Really City-States should have the exact same diplomatic complexity (not system) as Civs...the ONLY difference should be the one-city limit. Let us proactively cultivate relationships with who we want not sit there desperately hoping that they offer us the chance to do something.

 

[VirginiaRounder]

I figured we'd at least be able to trade resources with them.

I think that your city state allies automatically give you the benefits of whatever resources they have.

 

[Brota]

Don't kill the barbarians around city states.

 

[ilmonstre]

Don't kill the barbarians around city states.

unless asked obviously

 

[jjkrause84]

Don't kill the barbarians around city states.

This is what it comes down to, but it means working around a gameplay mechanic....it's not a real gameplay mechanic in and of itself.

Maybe even a simple and non-committal "We would like to help you in the future" which increases the chances of that CS giving you missions?

 

[acm2033]

I think that your city state allies automatically give you the benefits of whatever resources they have.

I'm sure that's the case. The "Patron" branch really improves City-state relations, and you can get a ton of resources that way. It costs a bit, but can be worth it.