Specialists and Social Interaction

[The_Aussie_Lurker]

Hi Guys,
A lot of messages have discussed the issues of population modelling and specialists. I'd just like to bring all of my ideas on these subjects together in this thread, and I'd like to know what people think.

1) Specialist Cost: On the regional interface you should have a screen showing the total number of bushels in your empire and a second screen showing your total population (in points or "Heads"). You can then convert this population to a variety of specialists at a cost in "Bushels". You only get these bushels back when to turn them back to general population.

2) Specialist Functions:
Entertainers: Improve happiness, enhance effectiveness of theatres etc.
Labourers: Improve production.
Clerics: Allow construction of Religious units (Crusaders, missionaries), and increase effectiveness of religious improvements.
Scientists: Improve research.
Merchants: Make financial improvements more effective.
Capitalists: Reduce cost of fast tracking improvement/wonder construction.
Soldiers: Effects the maximum number of military units you can produce.
Represents both your nations "Recruiting Power" and the actual number of people in the "Chain of Command" (generals, joint-chiefs etc.)
Slaves: Captured Labour (lower bushel cost than Labourers). Can be obtained by destroying an enemy unit (1 in 10 chance per unit), capturing enemy specialists (and converting them to slaves) or by using a Slaver unit.

3) Capturing and Trading Specialists:
When you capture a city, you can capture their specialists as well, you can use them just like other specialists. Until they're assimilated into your culture, however, they can pose a threat to your cities! You can also trade specialists with other Civs-especially slaves (at no intial Bushel cost!)

4) Influence of Specialists on society:
The proportion of each specialist type in your Empire should have a direct relationship on their base "Influence" on your Nation. This base influence would be modified by Government type, your own preference and how "Democratic" your nation is. Basically, when you make major decisions, they might have a chance of Stopping you. You can try to override them, but this will make them unhappy, but you should also be able to negotiate with them to get your way (like the factions in SMAC), adding a new element to the game. The type of Specialists, and their proportion within your society, should also effect how much damage they can do if they're unhappy (labourers can revolt or slow production, Soldiers can stage a coup and merchants can restrict cash-flow!) Suddenly you've got to think of your people when you make decisions. They might also be able to use their influence to make you do things (like change government!)

5) Period-Specific Specialists:
Lastly, some specialists might change their name under different governments or eras. The best example of this is the Nobility: I think they should replace soldiers in Feudal governments. This reflects their level of influence in such governments, but also reflects the fact that they are a key factor in how many troops a Feudal government can raise!

Anyway, I expect to get flamed for some of what I have said above, but I also hope to hear some positive comments. Regardless, all comments will be accepted. Thankyou.

The_Aussie_Lurker.

P.S: I also apologise for the length of this post!

[DarkCloud]

*Bump* -I'll read later... looks good!

[The_Aussie_Lurker]

Hi Again Guys,

Geeze it's been 4 days, and I've heard barely a whisper about the suggestions I made!! I mean, a mountain of flames would have been better than the deafening silence I've received.
Come on guys, at the risk of sounding arrogant, I feel I have raised a number of very important points, and I'd love to hear what people think of these ideas-good or bad!!
So come on guys-burn me or praise me, but no more silence!!

Yours,
The_Aussie_Lurker.

[Zanzin]

Aussie Lurker....they're all good idea - but I just couldn't be bothered reading that much! (No offense intended). This might the reason others haven't replied as well

[godot]

AL it was a lot to read , but I liked your ideas.

I'd like to add to the discussion of captured citizens causing trouble. I like that idea, but I would like to see it ameliorated by the presence of you own (loyal) troops or the immediate increase in luxury for the city (buying outright or over time).

[The_Aussie_Lurker]

Hey Guys,

Look, sorry for whinging earlier, but I guess that I like to hear what people think of my ideas (good or bad!) but I do understand that the post was rather long (but it was the only way I could fit everything in!) Anyway, thanks for your comments. Any specific ideas on how to alter/improve the model I've put forward would be appreciated.

Yours,

The_Aussie_Lurker

[Lawrence of Arabia]

I think a lot of us don't want to answer because at this stage of developemnt, many of these changes are too far sweeping to be incorporated into what civ3 is. Sorry.

[The_Aussie_Lurker]

Actually Lawrence, I don't feel that the model I've put forward would require such a radical change by Firaxis-especially as specialists are part of the original Civ system (Sid Meir's and CtP). All I'm really talking about is giving the system more depth, as well as making it more flexible and "National"! (moving labourers between cities is a much more realistic way of fast tracking improvements than the deeply flawed "Rush Buy" Model!)

Anyway, just my 2 cents worth, guess we'll have to wait until Civ III comes out before we know how far they'll take the specialist model (who knows, this stuff may get into Civ IV).

Yours,
The_Aussie_Lurker