Of Spies and Maps

[unmerged(3125)]

For the first time, I received a notice that my spies have stolen maps from Spain, my closest ally. I was glad that the Americas opened up for me, but I was wondering if the spies stealing maps is a purely random event or if diplomatic ratings have something to do with the success of my spies.

Any comments regarding spies will be greatly appreciated.

 

[hjarg]

Purely random event. And you are lucky they stole Spanish maps, not Austrian No penalties, no anything. Just pure joy of colonizing

 

[Pewe]

Spies are a random event. Stealing maps can be done by conquering the capitol of a nation. Sometimes you get the maps after you win a seabattle.

 

[unmerged(3125)]

Thanks for the tips. Actually, I am a bit disappointed that I can't manipulate my nation's spy service to steal more of those precious Spanish maps. Perhaps the EU sequel might allow us to invest in espionage...

 

[unmerged(2134)]

Originally posted by drbolo
Thanks for the tips. Actually, I am a bit disappointed that I can't manipulate my nation's spy service to steal more of those precious Spanish maps. Perhaps the EU sequel might allow us to invest in espionage...

Well, I periodically sack Madrid just to get those maps. The first time, I had a temp CB when Spain reneged on an alliance, so I took Aragon, giving SPain a permanent CB against me. Having militarily annexed a bunch on non-EUropean nations, I now have a pretty high BB rating so Spain periodically DOWs me. BUt the stupid idiots usually wait until AFTER I have concluded peace negotiations with another country. They should jump me while I'm busy elsewhere but they never seem to take the opportunity.

 

[unmerged(2073)]

Someone else obviously managed to steal the Austrian maps as well. And a fat lot of use they are to you.

Almost as much use as the random explorer event I got early in the game while playing Portugal although at least he was able to lead fleet transporting my chief conquistador to India thus ensuring the "almost" trouble-free colonisation of Yanam. Actually, now I come to think of it, he also found the short cut route to India so turned out to be a lot more useful than the Austrian maps.

 

[laurent]

If you're like me, at some point, you'll regret it's so easy to steal the other countries map (even when you don't try to). Too easy, and not really fun, as opposed to exploring by yourself.

 

[BiB]

It's too easy, as is trading for maps.