GameSpot's Civilization: Call to Power Game Guide

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Chapter Eight: Diplomacy

Demands and Forgiveness

Often, the things that prevent a prolonged conflict devolve into a little game of demand and forgive. One of the pet peeves of other civilizations is trespassing on their territory. Typically after just a few turns, they'll angrily demand that you get your hide off their land. Sure, you're most likely only exploring, but not heeding that demand can be more costly than it's really worth. Likewise, despite their refusal to let you on their land, their explorers will likely encroach on your territory with equal disregard. You'll find that simple demands will typically get them off your back without many headaches.

Offer some gold as an apology or appeasement to any civilization you've angered.

Common sense should dictate when a rival civilization will become angry with you. Attacking one of their allies, falling through on an agreement, repeatedly trespassing on their land, disrupting their trade routes, and engaging in covert attacks are all self-explanatory reasons why you would infuriate a rival civilization. Getting back that friendship could be tough. Rivals will prefer technology gifts to money (and both over maps), but sometimes no amount will be enough. Lastly, keep in mind your overall reputation. If you've stiffed a civilization, such as breaking a peace treaty, your overall reputation will suffer, and the other leaders won't look as kindly on you should you desire to be friendly with them.

The Alliance Strikes Back

If you've managed to muster an alliance with a fellow civilization, you should take the opportunity to exploit that relationship by launching an attack on a mutual enemy. If your relations are strong within the alliance, both you and your buddy government can join forces and launch a mutual attack. Obviously, you'll want to make sure you're in a strong position before heading into war, so make sure you've taken the time to allocate your forces to strategic points. Also, through the course of the war, your alliance partner may suffer heavy casualties and lose a considerable amount of units. Use this to your advantage by steam rolling over your one-time friend when he's suffering. Hey, no one said politics is nice.