Along with (in lieu of?) using pioneers to settle new cities, what if there were some neutral settlements that you could acquire as cities in various ways? The settlements would likely have no buildings and minimal population like new settlements from pioneers. These might be:
1. conquering them with troops like enemy cities (at the cost of increased unrest, and maybe less influence)
2. completing a quest for the inhabitants. any empire could get the quest if their sovereign goes to the city and the first one to complete it gets the city. The city would have reduced unrest.
3. Buying them off with gold or resources (one time fee or upkeep?)
4, maybe some research could lower the cost for #3 and make #2 easier by having the citizens give you an magic item that activates when you go on the quest (it's dangerous, take this).
Thoughts? Suggestions?
