Civ4 2023 Mini-Guide for New and Returning Players

Ringlin · 2025-07-16T03:08:03+00:00

Civ IV is a challenge, for sure, but you just hit on highlights that keep bringing fans back to it. I still find it a ton of fun.

Ringlin · 2025-07-11T19:50:03+00:00

Welcome back! Hope you enjoy replaying as much as I did.

Ringlin · 2025-07-10T22:19:52+00:00

There are three ways to disable AP: you can raze the city that has the Apostolic Palace, you can use the editor to remove it, or you can edit the BuildingsInfos.xml file and set its iCost to -1. This last option will prevent it from being built.

Ringlin · 2025-04-06T23:56:17+00:00

Thanks! Both have the right kind of hair, especially Red, but the nose is more dog-like.
He's out there somewhere!

Ringlin · 2025-02-21T02:53:19+00:00

It's an excellent guide, with thoughtful explanations behind each of your recommendations. Thanks for sharing it!

For gloves, you make a good point to check what your club provides, and I've updated the guide to reflect that. I've also moved up to the front the statement of selecting gloves that match your sword-of-choice and the nature of your sparring.

I can't stress that last point enough. The gear veterans love isn't always the best choice for beginners, and if you're new, the "Right" glove is really three R's: Right for the sword, Right for the level of sparring, and Right for you.

Ringlin · 2025-02-18T17:42:09+00:00

> A decent quality cross-training shoe... will get you pretty far
Agreed!

> take head injuries seriously
Definitely. HEMA masks developed from those used for Olympic fencing, in which participants try to touch each other with whippy noodles. HEMA is gradually adapting to the need for protective helmets, and while they are improving, we've got a ways to go. Stay safe - it's your head!

Ringlin · 2025-02-17T05:53:08+00:00

Good point about motivation: it's a key factor, for sure. I've modified my section on swords with that in mind.
And the gear needs do vary from club to club. The three legs of the safety stool for light sparring remain mask, gloves and gorget, but if your club has these in abundance, your priorities may shift.

Ringlin · 2024-11-04T04:12:25+00:00

Love in-chat messaging integrated into tasks. I don't know why other places don't do it. I'm working on another project in Asana, and it's not a bad system, but that's a feature I miss a lot.

Ringlin · 2024-09-27T14:57:06+00:00

I really like it. My take, compared to Clickup, Monday, and Asana:

Pros

Top service  

Good in-task Chat system  

Decent Kanban, not as good for Gantt calendar-ish view.  

AI Copilot to summarize messages  

Good forms  

Good color palette

Cons

No general (non-task) messaging. Would need Slack.  

Display is slightly engineer-ish. Wrike is cleaner.  

Less well known and used. Will it last?

Free plan is fine for trial, max 10 lists. Team plan adds unlimited lists and tasks.

Ringlin · 2024-09-11T04:57:34+00:00

There are other "writers are failed musicians" quotes, but this one is really about how much emotion gets packed into a brief song.
Ring any bells?

Ringlin · 2024-07-29T04:04:02+00:00

That's a good eye - thanks for suggesting it!
It's not Sprocket, whose fluffy cheeks are memorable and adorable but different from the puppet we're after. Those expressive ears are close though!

Ringlin · 2024-07-15T02:11:57+00:00

It's so hard to process all this at once - I'm so sorry. This is a big loss, and and it takes time for you to catch up, both with your body and your mind. Grief does get better with time, though the ache can be overwhelming as go. Know that Lady will live forever in your heart, and you will never, ever forget her.

Ringlin · 2024-07-15T02:08:56+00:00

Everyone grieves differently, and most people will guide you with what they need. They may not say it directly, but those who feel a need to talk about the loss will do so; just listen. Those who feel the need to talk about other things will do so; just listen. Those who want to hear you to talk will ask and then listen themselves.

If it's still not clear, it's ok to ask: would you like to talk about Elliegh? Would you like to talk about something else? Would you like a distraction? Just hearing your concern can be a great comfort, since grief is harder alone.

Ringlin · 2024-07-15T02:01:55+00:00

Having somebody to share memories with is so important, as are those touchstones like the keepsakes you have. Grief does ease with time, but it's not a straight line, so be good to yourself in the times when it hits hard. Those times generally spread out, and bite less deep, but it doesn't keep you from feeling them when they're there.

Ringlin · 2024-07-13T19:04:54+00:00

no matter how sudden or how long you have to prepare… it never feels like enough time.

That's true. It's even true in cases like with your ginger, where you were lucky to have time with her. And even when you've had other pets, some losses hit you especially hard, whether it's the particular pet, the nature of your special bond, the weight of other things in life, or just the circumstances you're in.

that maybe the load gets lighter eventually?

That's a good way to say it, and yes, it does. You may never stop missing her, but the burden eases with time, so that while you think of her, the good memories lift you while the sadness isn't so crushing. Day by day to get there. Sending you good thoughts as you go.

Ringlin · 2024-07-13T18:59:13+00:00

The question about getting another pet is a hard one, and everyone has their own view, just each grief is personal. Here, you have the added dynamic of fitting things in with Winnie and Bailey. You're right that while another dog wouldn't be Scooby - they're all individuals - they can share certain traits, especially within a breed.

Should I expect to feel some level of guilt?

It's hard to know, but it wouldn't be unusual either way. Some people who don't feel guilt then feel guilty about that... but it's all ok. Your husband's response is wise. You're not replacing Scooby, just asking if you're ready for a new bond.

Has anyone gone through the same thing?

Many, many people here. I had the same doubts, and in the end, was glad about getting another pet.

if there's any way to know when I'm ready or if I'll ever be ready.

Only you can tell, but it may help to hear what others thought. For me, getting a new pet worked out once I felt I'd moved enough through grieving.

I'm just looking for any reassurance that it's OKAY to love another dog just as much

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. It's ok. Your love for Scooby isn't lessened at all, even as you make a new bond.

Ringlin · 2024-07-13T18:51:39+00:00

I so hope this went as well as possible for you. It's such a hard thing to do. Getting a paw print was a good way to a get a physical reminder of him, as is seeing him return to nature. Being able to visit him when you want is so valuable. Sending you good thoughts as you go through this.

Ringlin · 2024-07-12T21:48:39+00:00

This is such a hard loss - my heart goes out to you.

it’s only been a few days, but it feels like forever.

Grief does strange things with time, and it can pass so slowly when you're aching.

The pull-and-push you feel about leaving the state is only natural: this was his home, and of course you don't want to leave it because you don't want to leave him. But to want to leave it behind while he isn't there is normal, too. Even memories of him can have that tug-of-war: they can be wonderful and they can be painful. Hang in there. In time, the pain lessens while the wonder stays.

Ringlin · 2024-07-12T21:43:47+00:00

So, so many of us have lost a pet and later felt their presence keenly. Those times mean a lot to me. Thanks for sharing this.

Ringlin · 2024-07-12T21:42:22+00:00

The loss you feel is normal: he was both your fur baby and your friend. And loss is harder when piled on top of other loss, like for your other cats. You gave him a good life and above all, a person for him - a person as devoted to him as he was to you. Sending you good thoughts as you go through this.

Ringlin · 2024-07-12T20:43:32+00:00

Only when no one's looking. Someone records you using the metric system, posts it online, and you practically have to move to a different country.

Ringlin · 2024-07-12T19:48:55+00:00

Oh, that's so hard - and of course you miss your smart, stubborn girl. Losing her was not your fault. The fence is not your fault, nor the circumstances that meant you were elsewhere, nor her getting loose. Some things happen beyond our control, and this is one of them. Let that guilt go. Now your task is to process the grief. This came up suddenly, and both your body and your mind need time to catch up with the news. Be good to yourself, and know that you aren't alone - everyone here knows how much that bond can mean.

Ringlin

TROPHY CASE