Research

[Doug Sims]

I have a question about what is the best way to complete research? Each Topic is generally 10 to 15 levels.Is it best to complete all the levels for a topic before moving on to the next topic?

[MemoryLane]

You're going to find that some researches have certain requirements that prevent from completing all of the levels right away, so you'll be forced to move around a little as you go. Also, some of the higher levels are expensive and/or take a very long time to complete, so it's best to leave those for now and come back to them when you've worked on your research gear and commanders that increase your research speed, like Varys, Tyrion, and several others.

Just starting out, it's a good idea to do some of the Production tree, especially Building Mastery, then some Military tree to get some higher level troops going, and then jump down to Expedition and Pacification so you can kill rebel leaders which will give your alliance gifts that give resources and speed ups. From there, just pay attention to what you feel like you need to make yourself stronger or faster at what you're focusing on - if you're big into fighting, go back to the Military tree or work on Formations, for example.

[Barry Lynd]

Several research items increase motivation, increase motivation recovery etc. What is motivation? And how is it used up? The guide mentions these research topics but nothing indicates why you would ever want it.

[MemoryLane]

Motivation is what you use to attack Rebel Leaders on the map.