Some various general/newb questions.

[applebreath]

Questions like these baffle me. One of the most annoying things in games (and movies) in my opinion is how pretty much everyone everywhere always speak English. Each to his own, I suppose. For me, it's one of my favourite elements of the EB experience (to hear the units speak their respective languages).

I now agree with the above.. It is a unique feature that grows on you.

[applebreath]

In terms of the game feature of becoming someones allies: Historically, did the senate make many allies with other factions? Where they mainly nuetrul with others, only becoming allies if they conquered someone or if they wanted a friend in an upcoming war?

-Apple

[Ludens]

In terms of the game feature of becoming someones allies: Historically, did the senate make many allies with other factions? Where they mainly nuetrul with others, only becoming allies if they conquered someone or if they wanted a friend in an upcoming war?

The Senate was notoriously haughty and would often insist that their ally would treat them as a superior. Witness the behaviour of several Roman senators towards the Ptolemean kings. However, I doubt they had this attitude in 272 BC, because Rome was not a world power at this point. Also, they did form alliances with factions they had not defeated, like the Ptolemies. Many tribes were also, at one point or another, "friend of the Roman people".

[applebreath]

The Senate was notoriously haughty and would often insist that their ally would treat them as a superior. Witness the behaviour of several Roman senators towards the Ptolemean kings. However, I doubt they had this attitude in 272 BC, because Rome was not a world power at this point. Also, they did form alliances with factions they had not defeated, like the Ptolemies. Many tribes were also, at one point or another, "friend of the Roman people".

But in terms of the game options, would Rome be allied with many factions, or mainly neutral? Also, what does it mean to be allied, does that mean that if my ally (on the other side of the world) is at war, I would need to send troops? I'm mainly trying to figure out how I can roleplay (how I should play) with the allied feature or if I shouldn't have allies in the first place.

-Apple

[Ludens]

That's a difficult one. Most alliances Rome had would be "client kingdoms" and similar at her borders, but these are eleutheroi in EB1 terms and don't do diplomacy. Of course: the dividing line is vague, since IIRC the Aedui were also such an ally at some point.

Anyway, R:TW's diplomacy A.I. is stupid. Alliances mean very little to it. A better way of ensuring a good relationship is a small regular tribute (say 200 mnai per turn). In-game, an alliance does little except that you cannot be allied to two factions that are at war with each other (although for some reason this does occur at the start of EB's campaign).

I guess you should ally with a faction if their well-being is important to you and you do not want them hostile. However, don't trust the A.I. It has been programmed to dislike the player, so even your allies can quickly turn against you.