Using the Main Screen
The Map View Area
The map area allows you to select a colony simply by clicking on it. A colony must be selected before you can recruit armies, change tax rates, or other colonial activities. The map area also outlines each colony in either blue or red to show how much land each player possesses. British colonies are red while rebel colonies are traced in blue.
The Colony Information Area
The colony information area (located on the far right) shows you the statistics on your colony. It also allows you to make changed in the colony. Here's what to look for:
- Population - the current population of the colony. This is used in generating tax income.
- Loyalty - how loyal the people here are to you. Don't let this drop too low or the people will simply quit listening to your orders there and join your opponent.
- Trade - this shows you how much foreign trade is actually making it to the colony through the enemy blockades. If this number drops below 100% you should produce warships to defend your coast.
- Taxes - the tax rate of the colony. Ideally, you should keep this very low to make the people happy, but an increase will certainly increase funds.
- Propaganda - the more you spend on propaganda the more satisfied the people will be with you. This is a good way to regain the colony's respect if you begin to lose loyalty
- Upkeep - this is how much you spend on keeping your presence in the colony strong and paying your workers, fleets, and armies there. Try to keep this at 100% if at all possible.
- Production Button - takes you to the Production Queue.
- View Armies Button - takes you to the Army View.
- View Fleets Button - takes you to the Fleet View.
The Message Area
The message area (located at the bottom of the screen) gives you information on the last turn you took and allows you to communicate with your opponent in an internet game. The message box on the left side lets you browse through information such as whether or not your attacks were successful or your people are happy. To chat with your opponent, type your message into the box on the right and wait for the reply in the area directly underneath it.
