BATTLE MINES

This ongoing debate has consumed many posts, both on the Communication page and on the Discussion Forum. The debate is divided into two main playing styles, or paths, which have been dubbed Battlers and Builders.

Battlers: These players believe that the Battle in Battle Mines should be the focus of the game. These players usually think of Builders as useful vassals, as the Battler can benefit from the Builder's hard work through the large tithes often obtained from them. Many Battlers exhibit a strategy of building up only as much as they need to be able to win combat, either outright or through attrition, and then will go to collect as many vassals as they can. Most Syndicalists tend toward the Battler path, although only insofar as they can do so without risking their position as Syndicalists. Other popular Battler government types include Theocracy (accuracy bonus), Monarchy (production bonus from vassals), and Fascism (tithing bonus).

Builders: Also known as Miners (or derogatory terms, such as peaceniks), the Builder path focuses more on construction of buildings than combat. Builders tend to take a less violent approach to the game than Battlers do, and are often mistakenly believed to be avowed pacifists. The Builders tend to focus on long term goals, such as Hull Upgrades, Monuments, and Diabolical Machines. Although Builders take a more harmonious approach, when they do strike, they tend to do so once they're heavily prepared, and their offensive victories are often impressive. Democracy is a popular government for many Builders, as are Bureaucracy (extra trades) and Technocracy (advanced building shield).