Research Points (RP)
Technological progression is fueled by Research Points (RP). You generate a base continuous amount of RP passively, which can be massively increased by building Academies, Libraries, and assigning competent Scholars in your Palace UI. Certain civilizations naturally excel in innovation; Aegyptus begins with a devastating 13 base RP compared to the standard 10.
Technologies become exponentially more expensive per Era. An Era I technology may cost 150 RP, while an Era III technology may require upwards of 4,000 RP. Overinvesting early RP into irrelevant tech will cripple your mid-game transitions.
The Three Eras
Era I: The Archaic Era
Focused on foundational survival. Establishing resource stability, basic diplomacy, and early territorial expansion.
- Writing & Record Keeping: Unlocks Diplomacy screen and Trade Agreements. Extends Palace interactions.
- Bronze Casting: Unlocks Medium Infantry (e.g., Hastati, Machimoi) and basic Barracks upgrades.
- Basic Masonry: Allows the construction of Level 2 Defensive Walls and basic Aqueducts for population growth.
- Currency Systems: Required for the Market building. Enables taxation policy adjustments.
Era II: The Classical Era
Focused on defining your civilization's specific strengths. Unique civilized bonuses unlock here.
- Iron Weapons: Flat +2 ATK bonus to all melee infantry.
- Cartography: Reveals the entire Mediterranean coastline. Grants +1 SPD to naval transports.
- Siege Engineering: Unlocks Battering Rams and Siege Towers. Critical for taking Level 3+ fortified cities.
- Civilization Unique Technology: Each civilization unlocks its distinct mechanic in this era. (e.g., Legion System for Roma, Alexandria Academy for Aegyptus, Guerrilla Doctrine for Lusitania).
Era III: Late Antiquity
Focused on imperial consolidation and massive end-game buffs to sustain vast empires.
- Professional Army: Substitutes the seasonal levy model, reducing maintenance costs by 20% and increasing base XP.
- Imperial Administration: Drastically mitigates the "Overexpansion" penalty on Stability when holding more than 15 regions.
- Advanced Architecture: Unlocks Level 5 monumental structures (Colosseum, Great Lighthouse). Generates massive passive culture.
Recommended Research Paths
| Civilization | Primary Tech Focus | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Roma | Bronze Casting → Siege Engineering | Enables rapid expansion and takes advantage of their early military strength before others fortify. |
| Carthago | Cartography → Currency Systems | Maximizes early naval dominance and secures lucrative trade routes to fund mercenaries. |
| Aegyptus | Writing → Bronze Casting → Unique Tech | Exploits their 13 base RP to rush the Alexandria Academy, cementing a permanent tech lead. |
Sibyla Speaks
"They chisel their decrees in stone, believing it eternal, but it is the parchment that survives. A sword will break on a shield, Imperator, but a well-timed innovation shatters empires without a single casualty."