[bug?]no tax = no merchant/prop cash?

from Elemental Forums

Just got the game and am trying easy-mode to figure out game mechanics.  One thing I noticed was that: If I set my tax rate to zero, my Propaganda and Merchant cash would not pay out either.  (It's early-game, so not much expenses so I figured merchant + Prop would cover for a bit to get the research/production boosted).

Sure looks like a bug to me... but being new, I am not sure.

1,453 views 2 replies
Reply #1 from Elemental Forums Top

No, it's actually working as designed.

The idea is that most things that have to do with cities are just taxable income - Propaganda makes Gildar coalesce from the air and the citizens are picking them up, the merchant is doing a brisk business in the main square, the gold miners are bringing home the nuggets, but unless you are collecting taxes from them, the Empire sees no income.

I'm not saying I like the thinking behind it, but I have to say that it works great as a game mechanic.

And is a lot better balanced that most things in this game, so I would hate to see it changed... not until other, borked mechanics are straightened out.

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

I think the same than above. If you plan in having zero taxes for more production and research, then don't cast propaganda.

About building markets and so, the same, it might be better to build other ones that will give inmediate benefits  (study, workshop...). You can build markets anyway, but they will work only when you set some taxes.

 

Ashes of the Singularity II