02-03-2005 01:07									#1
	Espionage - What kind do you do? Support Apolyton or Terrorists Win

This is one aspect of the game I wish was a little more in depth. I've tried just about everything in the spy game and it rarely works. My first question is how does the spy level mechanics work? When do I become a master spy. Stealing plans is probably the most helpful prior to invading a civ. I love the initiate propoganda, but it never seems to work. Has anyone ever gotten a cultural conversion after initiating propoganda? I would like to know some of your espionage stories and how they worked or did not work. Also, how can you tell if a rival civ has planted a spy that you can expose? Thanks in advance for your replies.

	02-03-2005 01:51									#2
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization: The Boardgame

Frankly, it's a waste of time.

*vs the AI

	02-03-2005 02:40									#3
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization: The Boardgame

It is not a profitable way to go, build more troops instead. You can steal plans, but it cost a lot of money and they are only good for one turn.

That is something I would do in spot where they now have nukes and we go to war. I may spend the cash to locate those ICBM's and see if I can bust some of them.

I have done it in a few games where I am invading the last or next to last civ and I know they have at least 1000 troops and we are in the modern age. I am willing to spend the cash to see what cities are the weakest. It is rare though, but I often have research turned off at this point and have cash.

Stealing tech is quite easy as long as you are willing to risk war.

Inciting things is a real lost cause as near as I can tell. I have not attempted in ages.

	02-03-2005 03:13									#4
	Help yourself to an AD-FREE life

I just plant spies and am done with it... I've stolen plans maybe once or twice.

	02-03-2005 03:17									#5
	Support Apolyton, buy GURPS/ Alpha Centauri

The main time I plant spys is when I want to trick the AI into declaring war on me. (So I get the negative WW bonus as a rep govt)

	02-03-2005 03:23									#6
	Suffering from ads?

Planting spies always, everywhere - as soon as there is cash. Knowing their numbers is very helpful. It is my zoo and I want to see the exhibits up close.

In the epic game, stealing plans and looking into cities can be useful if at war. But it is expensive, so rather a toy than a tool.

In scenarios, stealing can be great. The higher the difficulty level, the tougher it is to extort things by war, not to mention doing research on your own (you: 1 tech; they: finished the tech tree). Extremely useful if playing a smaller power on Sid.

	02-03-2005 05:14									#7
	Avatar Enlargement: We've got the solution

One thing not mentioned and maybe I should not, but sabotage cost can be used to determine the number of shields in the box in a given city.

This can be use to determine how you will fare in a race for a late wonder. So I can decide if I can beat them or not.

	02-03-2005 22:59									#8
	Lose 30 kilos (of popups)

quote: Originally posted by joncnunn The main time I plant spys is when I want to trick the AI into declaring war on me. (So I get the negative WW bonus as a rep govt)

I thought that war from failed espionage and nuke usage were the only times you didn't get the negative WW bonus.