City/Economy Management

[Sabre]

Are there any gameplay guides on managing your cities and economy?

I've noticed a few posts on the forum recently asking questions about various aspects like building schools, destroying buildings etc. These questions have provided a good insight for a new guy like me but have left me feeling that I'm missing out on a good part of the game at present. I can deal with the basic premise of the game, build an army, wander off capture some places etc etc but after destroying the government buildings and building my own the whole city management just becomes a random selection of what seems a good idea or if the description of the building seems interesting

Most of the gameplay guides focus on strategic approaches for different factions and these have provided good reading and great insight but I'd like to get a greater insight into the detail of city management. Is there such a guide or do I just have to do it the hard way be becoming a seasoned campaigner and learning from mistakes?

[Taedius]

Apart from reading the guides, which you have, the only advice I can give is to start with an easy faction, such as the Romani. Their economy is reasonably good from the outset and only gets better, allowing you to experiment.

Focus on trade, roads and ports. Mines wherever they are available. (Apparently, the Senate forbade mining in Italy, so for roleplay reasons, I often avoid building mines in Rhegion, when playing the Romani.) Look at your army composition. How many of the more expensive units do you really need?

Do you need to encroach on that neighbour with whom you have traderights? Ask how much a war, and thereby loss of trade, will cost you. Can you afford it?

It is a learning experience, because there aren't too many fixed answers. It depends alot on your style of play.

[Moosemanmoo]

Have high tax where possible, not only is the extra income pretty sweet but my govenors seem to gain management levels much faster

[pikeman]

I find 'very high tax' less and less viable as the distance to Capital increases...I guess that's part of the management.

[Yeos]

I find 'very high tax' less and less viable as the distance to Capital increases...I guess that's part of the management.

I agree.

There are exceptional though, some cities far from capital are happy enough to allow very high tax .....

[Nyz]

If you built enough happiness and law buildings then it can be compensation to the very high tax...