Lafayette – Strategy and Guide

Intro

Gilbert du Motier, better known as the Marquis de Lafayette, earned his place in
history by supporting revolutions on two continents, demonstrating remarkable
resolve both in the American War of Independence and in the turbulent French
political landscape. In Civ 7, Lafayette’s design echoes his
real-life ideals of balanced governance, individual liberty, and a dedication to
social reforms—making him a diplomatic yet culturally rich leader choice.

Strategy

Navigating Lafayette’s skill set can be a rewarding experience for players of all
skill levels, whether you’re just starting out or looking to fine-tune your
domination or cultural approaches. Here’s how to make the most of his unique tools:

1. Utilize His Dual Nature: Lafayette stands at the intersection
   of culture and diplomacy. Focus on developing Urban Districts that
   bolster cultural output, while forging alliances through his diplomatic
   strengths. Together, these help you gain influence with City-States and other
   civilizations.
2. Embrace “Reform” for Social Policies: Lafayette’s unique
   endeavor, Reform, grants an extra Social Policy slot for both
   you and your trading partners, encouraging cooperative play. Leverage this
   bonus by choosing Policies that enhance Culture, Happiness,
   or Combat Strength, depending on your immediate goals.
3. Maximize Traditions (Not Policies) for Combat: Every
   Tradition you slot increases your units’ Combat Strength. If you’re
   aiming for military success, ensure you adopt Traditions that boost production
   or provide defensive perks, thereby keeping your armies resilient.
4. Focus on “Distant Lands”: Lafayette’s bonuses scale further
   away from your homeland. Settlements far from your capital gain extra
   Culture and Happiness per Age. This can make wide expansion
   more viable—just be mindful of amenities and defense.
5. Balance Diplomacy and Warfare: Much like the real historical
   figure, Lafayette thrives on negotiations, but isn’t afraid to pick up arms.
   Consider forging alliances to bolster your cultural development, and use your
   improved military to protect those alliances or your far-flung settlements.

Lines

Lafayette speaks in Modern French, providing a dash of historical flair.

• Quote: “We walk always between two abysses. Care and moderation
  is our path forward.”
• Greeting: “Just Citizen Lafayette, s’il vous plait.”
  
  (Simply Citizen Lafayette, please.)
• Attacked: “Tyranny is strong. Liberty is stronger.”
• Declares War: “Thus always to tyrants.”
  
  (Sic semper tyrannis.)
• Accepts Player’s Deal: “Yes, yes, this is sensible.”
• Rejects Player’s Deal: “Please, this is unreasonable.”
• Defeat: “To go with so much left undone! To depart with a
  dream yet unfulfilled?”

Civilopedia Entry

The Marquis de Lafayette emerged as a champion of the Enlightenment spirit,
advocating for liberal reforms and the recognition of individual rights in a
period rife with autocracies and revolutionary fervor. Born into nobility, he
transcended his privileged station by allying himself with the American
revolutionaries, notably serving alongside George Washington. Upon his return to
France, he occupied a precarious middle ground, promoting a constitutional
monarchy while urging an end to the old regime’s oppressive policies. Though
he navigated dangerous ideological currents during the French Revolution,
Lafayette remained a steadfast voice of moderation, exemplifying both the
Hero of Two Worlds and the complexities of revolutionary politics.

His legacy includes co-authoring the Declaration of the Rights of Man—an
influential document underpinning modern democracies worldwide—and championing
abolitionist causes, long before these were politically popular. Through
revolutions and restorations, Lafayette’s singular focus remained on finding
a path that respected human rights without plunging the nation into anarchy.

Unique Ability: Hero of Two Worlds (Lafayette)

Hero of Two Worlds grants access to a special endeavor called
Reform, providing:

• +1 Social Policy slot for you and your partner when you support the endeavor.
• Increased Combat Strength for each Tradition slotted in your
  Government (note that standard Policies do not apply to this bonus).
• Higher Culture and Happiness per Age in your settlements,
  which grows significantly for those in Distant Lands.

This ability encourages a cooperative yet dynamically flexible play style,
rewarding both cultural development and strategic expansion.

Agendas

Lafayette’s defining agenda, French Quarters, reflects his
historical advocacy for robust civic infrastructure and community growth:

• Positive Relationship Boost: The player with the most
  Urban Districts that have all their building slots filled
  earns Lafayette’s approval.
• Negative Relationship Shift: Civilizations that neglect their
  Urban Districts by failing to fill building slots risk
  incurring Lafayette’s disfavor.

This agenda nudges you to invest in your core cities, balancing culture,
infrastructure, and population needs to keep Lafayette on your side or
surpass your rivals in his estimation.

Trivia

• Lafayette’s epithet “Hero of Two Worlds” originates from his direct
  involvement in both the American and French Revolutions.
• Although an aristocrat by birth, he consistently championed abolitionism
  and popular representation, reflecting the game’s dual emphasis on
  diplomacy and culture.
• His choice of the tricolored cockade is a historical nod to the colors of
  Paris (red and blue) and the monarchy (white), a fitting metaphor for his
  attempt to reconcile opposing forces in civilization.

TL;DR

Lafayette in Civ 7 offers a balanced path between diplomatic
alliances and cultural dominance. Focus on filling Urban Districts and
adopting Traditions to boost Combat Strength, while leveraging
Reform to share extra Social Policy slots. His agenda rewards
those who invest in city infrastructure, encouraging a forward-thinking, yet
moderate, play style that can guide you to a well-rounded victory.