First I agree that this stuff should be on a design list not in the
g2 list
The idea was not to just change the rules so rulers could get more
income. The idea was for it be in the best interest of rulers to
encourage trade and therefore interaction. The big attraction with
PBEM and PBM is interaction with other humans. However the game
systems rarely encourage interaction. If the economic system connects
traders and rulers in some meaningful way then rulers encourage
traders and it is in traders best interests to work with rulers
preferably more than one. Thus an interlocking system of dependancy,
co-operation, politics and treachery develops.
Castle builders basically only have the military option open to them
once they have expanded till they run into other rulers. Traders try
to avoid castle rulers who can basically only hinder trade.
Imagine a trader working a route between two small cities controlled
by different castles. If the two castles are looking like going to
war it is the traders best interest to try and stop it by diplomacy,
threat to take their trade elsewhere, etc.
I get bored just working on logistics all the time.
Andrew Penney
apenney@lpr.com.au
Ph +61 3 9416 0988
Fax +61 3 9419 5292
341A Smith Street
Fitzroy VIC Australia 3065