In discussions with /u/44A99, I developed a new approach to the immortal leader problem.

The idea goes like this:

• Each Civ is led by it's own government; be it democracy, dictator, emperor, a loose collection of city states, or whatever Sparta's government was called.

• Leaders/Regimes of all Civs change over time.

• Every Civ in the world claims their first leader is immortal, and he/she issues periodic advice on how to approach the situation.

• If a regime does not do what the leader wants, they lose his/her support. (Like losing the Mandate of Heaven).

• This explains why loose collections of city states, like Maya, have a single identity on the world scene.

• It is not uncommon for people in general--or even diplomats--to say something like "Leonidas declared war" rather than name their nation or current leader.

Obviously this is a bare-boned solution, and it won't completely satisfy both parties, but it allows us to have mortal leaders and changing regimes, while also having the idea of immortal leaders, and letting the people who want immortal leaders believe they really are there pulling the strings.

TL;DR: Mortal leaders and governments in each Civ, but Civs believe their first leader is immortal and guides them.

I would like to hear your feedback on this idea. A poll on how we will approach leaders will go up tomorrow.