Question on starting abilities...

Would choosing 50% military 30% social and choosing industrialist be a good idea?

Kanaric,

Check out this thread http://www.galciv.com/forum.asp?BID=GS&id=50807

There are a couple of discussions on this issue over at the Strategies forum.

I say Diplomacy is the most useful. Take populists and +70% Diplomacy. Then you can make money trading techs.

When you play the game, research Universal Translaters ASAP. Send scouts out ASAP to find all the other civs. The sooner you start talking to them, the sooner you start making money.

I play random. I put eight numbers in a hat and draw one to determine my government party.

I set all abilities to zero. I put 24 numbers in a hat and draw. There are 24 abilities, I count down the list and select the "random" ability. For level of that ability, I draw again from the 24, and compare to the small table.

If there is only one choice of level i take that one.

2 choices:
1-16 lowest level (1)
17-24 highest (2)

3 choices
1-12 (1)
13-20 (2)
21-24 (3)

4 Choices
1-10 (1)
11-16 (2)
17-21 (3)
22-24 (4)

When I am low on points and cannot afford the ability/level I drew, I chose a lower level or redraw. I do not allow abilities to be drawn twice.

I like the challenge of playing a new civilization, playing to its strengths/weaknesses.