Influence in diplomats

[Tamur]

hi all,

As far as all the tests I've run are concerned, it appears that the Influence rating of the diplomat you're using for negotiations makes absolutely no difference, except in a single case. That's when either the Demand or the Offer is entirely cash-based (Single Payment, Regular Tribute, or Change Tribute).

Has anyone else had any other experiences? Do you find it easier to get treaties pushed through with ten-influence diplomats? I'm not looking for hard data as I've got plenty (though more is always nice!) but I am looking for a contradiction of this conclusion... mainly because it's a really terrible conclusion to come to!

[Colovion]

Sorry Tamur - though I agree with your conclusion, so far training my diplomats up hasn't really gained many benefits. I am pretty sure that the Protectorate status I got from Thrace was a total fluke as it was a 5 Influence Diplomat talking to their 3 Influence Diplomat. I was astounded that they took it and was also very happy. It was soon after reading your guide so I thought that my reading of your guide must have been the reason.

Later on though I never had a happy or interesting diplomacy happening besides one: Partha came up to me after my diplomat had been lurking near their borders and their diplomat had a great idea: We'll Give you 300 Denarii for 19 Turns in return for an Alliance and help against the Egyptians.

This was the only time that another faction had come to me to ask me anything though and just about every other faction gave me the cold shoulder besides a few. The Influence has a lot less to do with what you offer than what you have done previous - such as giving gifts and such. If they dont' accept your gift they already hate you and you're going to get anything no matter what your influence is.

I'm learning still and haven't looked as in depth to the diplomacy as you have so I'll continue to read what you write and learn.

[Quietus]

Hey Tamur,

In my experience, I get more from selling map with a high influence diplomat (for example: 43,000 denari as opposed to the regular 20,000+ denari range). However, I'll do more tests to be absolutely sure.

I think there are a lot of factors to be considered though:
1. Difficulty level of the game.
2. Timeframe - At one point the AI starts de facto refusing offers.
3. How much money they actually have. I don't think they can pay more if they don't have the denari to pay. So there's a ceiling there.

I'll do some tests on Friday and see if I find something more conclusive or concrete. :charge:

[TinCow]

I think diplomat influence makes a major difference in the cost to bribe.

[Tamur]

Yes, as Quietus and TinCow mentioned, negotiations with one side solely cash (such as Bribing, or selling Trade Rights for a Single Payment) are definitely affected by diplomat Influence. But negotiations that have any other variables involved (i.e. Trade Rights and Map info in exchange for an Attack Faction) seem completely unaffected by diplomat Influence.

Going to let this sit and assume it's true for the Guide's sake, and focus on other bits of research. Quietus, if you happen to be able to add to this area that'd be great!