Frogboy did you guys see my suggestion about diplomatic capital being representative of the respect of the people and thus giving it possible concrete in game value?
I don't know if this has been mentioned because I only skimmed over the thread but I had an idea to make diplomatic capital and the diplomacy tech tree of value even in multiplayer. The fundamental idea is:
Diplomatic Capital = The respect of the people
This implies that your words (or that of those who speak for you less so) has added weight. This could allow you to do things like give an inspirational speech in one of your cities at the cost of diplomatic capital that would boost production dramatically for a period. Alternatively you could denounce the rulership of another sovereign in an enemy city slowing production or even throwing the city into revolt. Diplomatic capital should also be used to recruit heroes (those looking for a worthy cause as opposed to a quick buck) or possibly even to sway soldiers away from an enemies cause. Thinking this way diplomatic capital could be expended toward a whole host of options that could act similarly to non-magical spells. These options would need to be unlocked by technology (study of psychology), and would be modified in effectiveness based on a units charisma rating. Certain actions would award diplomatic capital (picking the noble choice on a quest, honoring an allies request for assistance, killing terrible creatures that are scaring everyone), and some would deduct diplomatic capital (breaking treaties, sneak attacks, picking the cowardly choice on quests). What does everyone think?