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Mill

Initial cost: 1,125
Maintenance cost: 10
Effect: +50 percent production
Restrictions: Land only
Prerequisite: Agricultural revolution

Agricultural revolution is likely to be researched by each and every civilization as it features a solid tile improvement (the advanced farm), a sturdy defensive unit (the pikeman),and a cost-effective production booster in the city improvement the mill. Boosting early-game production can have lasting effects into the middle game, as you can whip out tile improvements, units, and other improvements faster than your rivals. However, with the increased production comes the chance of increased unhappiness and pollution. Make sure to keep your populace happy and clean if you decide to boost production with the mill.

Mind Controller

Initial Cost: 10,000
Maintenance Cost: 50
Effect: No unhappiness, prevents slavery, prevents conversion 50 percent of the time
Restrictions: None
Prerequisite: Mind control

For the money (the mind controller's maintenance cost is extreme). You're better off researching the AI Entity wonder, which will create nearly the identical effect of the mind controller in all your cities, not just the one in which it was built. Sure, the mind controller features the added effect of preventing conversion, but it also prevents slavery (which could be harsh if you are relying on slave labor). Your choice should be an easy one. If you only have one city that continues to be a happiness problem, you should opt for the mind controller. But, for the money, the AI Entity will always be the better choice in curing rampant unhappiness.

Movie Palace

Initial cost: 1,500
Maintenance cost: 10
Effect: Lowers war discontent 50 percent
Restrictions: None
Prerequisite: Electrification (with electricity)

Providing the necessary propaganda to keep the populace in good spirits while the military is away and at war, the movie palace is an excellent way of combating the unhappiness associated with wartime. Keep in mind that since this is a city improvement, the movie palace only affects the city in which it's built. Use care, then, when choosing the city (though the movie palace is inexpensive). Pick the cities that are in dire need of some happiness; those cities already possessing bonuses will probably be content enough to not require the movie palace, even during war.

Next: Nanite factory, nuclear plant, and oil refinery
 
 

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