u/Spiritualise

Currently the only way to gain influence is through declaring rivalries. Essentially, the only way to allow yourself more diplomatic actions is to make enemies. I like having this as a feature, but I also think there should be a way of expanding your influence capacity by doing things other countries actually like. Obligations are currently useful but I feel the influence and diplomacy side of the game could use some work, but I really would hate to see it become unnecessarily convoluted like so many parts of this game are.

I'm curious how everyone here found their path towards Sufism. For me it was through my brother who is fairly well versed in the subject, he himself has lost his spiritual path a bit and is a spiritual atheist, but he had taught me a great deal about the Sufi path before these times. Ramadans at a friends was a common occurrence early in my life. It was Ramadan that had a huge impact on my outlook.

In my exploration of the Quran I noticed extreme stylistic differences between Surahs and in my research found that there is a distinct difference between the Surahs compiled before and after the Hijra. How do you all as Sufis interpret these differences? I know some scholars have pointed to the Meccan Surahs as a means towards tawhid where Medinan Surahs show you a proper Sharia. It's interesting to me, would love to hear your thoughts.

I have been planning a trip to the mainland for some years now and speak a moderate amount of putonghua; the city of my dreams (and the surrounding countryside) appears to be in Chengdu. I love everything there is to love about Sichuan's culture, and it seems fitting that my first trip to the mainland should be to Chengdu. Is Chengdu a good first city for a foreigner to visit? If not, what could give me a similar enough experience as a first timer that would be more beginner friendly? Xiexie!