Mistake taking Religious Ideas?

[Strompator]

Doing another game as Castile - took expansion first and then second I took religious ideas on a whim. Upon reflection it seems I made a mistake because I don't see the benefits. Anyone else take religious ideas?

Also, as an aside, I am an average of two tech levels behind in all categories compared to other majors in this game - it's around 1540 or so. How is that? Is it because I had a bunch of 000 rulers?

 

[TheMeInTeam]

Religious ideas always have goods benefits, but taking them so early with castille is a mistake simply because alternative needs are more pressing. Castille should probably open with exploration, then take a military to avoid ahead of years but fill it slowly, then an adm one like innovative or administrative...I'd argue innovative in their case.

 

[hwoosh]

Religious ideas early as Castile is great if you're tackling North Africa or expanding rapidly into Europe. Otherwise you might want to take them later.

 

[MadDjinn]

yeah, most western nations should take a military idea 2nd -- unless you have so much $$ you can keep below 1000 MP via mass building spam.

but Castile + religious = take Africa and the middle east (best if you inherit Naples along with Aragon).

 

[TheMeInTeam]

Middle east is overseas though and likely to be there later while you take out other stuff. Besides, with decisions and accepted culture you can convert a lot already...IMO religious at 10 earliest even then.

 

[Sidereus]

I see the bonus to relations over time has been cut to +50% when fully unlocked. That's sad to see. Is it still worth taking? How is AE in 1.5 without it?

 

[hwoosh]

Middle east is overseas though and likely to be there later while you take out other stuff. Besides, with decisions and accepted culture you can convert a lot already...IMO religious at 10 earliest even then.

I like to gun for North Africa early as Castile because of gold in Sus; more trade power in Sevilla; control of Tunis node eventually; Continue the Reconquista mission; and Barbary pirates defeated modifier. It does suck resources away from other pursuits, admittedly.

 

[TheMeInTeam]

I like to gun for North Africa early as Castile because of gold in Sus; more trade power in Sevilla; control of Tunis node eventually; Continue the Reconquista mission; and Barbary pirates defeated modifier. It does suck resources away from other pursuits, admittedly.

Yeah it has merit there too. New world, France dogpile, Berber lands, there's a lot to balance in terms of where to go. You could even turn on Portugal/England .

Still, no matter what you choose, IMO it's hard to justify taking religious before 3rd idea group.

 

[Juggernaught]

Castile already gets extra missionary and strength from their national ideas. It is pretty easy to vassal feed and convert all north african provinces. Religion with Castile/Spain is a waste of idea slot unless you are going for relations bonus which is nerfed anyways. Currently I'm playing a Spain game and I took Diplomacy, Defensive, and Administration. Got all of NA, half of France/Italy, controlling 3 electors etc.

 

[Golladan]

It's fine if you're going to try and take over Africa.

I'm more surprised you took Expansion.

 

[Sherhi]

Doing another game as Castile - took expansion first and then second I took religious ideas on a whim. Upon reflection it seems I made a mistake because I don't see the benefits. Anyone else take religious ideas?

Also, as an aside, I am an average of two tech levels behind in all categories compared to other majors in this game - it's around 1540 or so. How is that? Is it because I had a bunch of 000 rulers?

i went for innovative, for the second question yes, i had several shitty rulers in a row and it pretty much screwed my early game

 

[Strompator]

It's fine if you're going to try and take over Africa.

I'm more surprised you took Expansion.

Sorry I misspoke - I took Exploration. Well, thanks for all the replies. I goofed, but I'll play it out some more and see what shakes out.

 

[Tijean]

Taking Religious ideas is good even if you are not going for a big crusade. Only take few ideas and continue to tech. This way you won't get to far behind in admin tech. The -25% reduction for stability is great and would help all the games. You also get so many event fort stability. +1 tolerance of the true faith give a permanent -1 revolt risk.

 

[Rubidium]

Religious ideas aren't bad. The bonuses are nice, and the events are amazing (unlike most events). They are less useful for Castile than others, but you'll appreciate them if you push into North Africa. I wouldn't go so far as to call them a mistake, just maybe sub-optimal. Certainly not going to ruin your game.