Quote Originally Posted by AquaSeaFoam View Post
From the final changes announcement:

Scientist Recruit rank reduced from 6 hours to 3 hours
Scientist Spawn rate lowered slightly
Magic Science will no longer increase Wizard Production
Approximately +50% Scientists will be required to reach maximum effects (We want there to be a strategic choice as to what science effects you have by reducing the spawn rate & increasing required scientists to reach max)
Revelation will increase scientist spawn rate by 30%, down from 100%
Revelation duration will be lowered

These changes along with sage being weakened should allow a specialized thief/mage to have better success.
This ^^^^

Science might actually have a place in the game this age since not everyone will have max sci by year 4. This will mean that T/Ms who focus thief/mage sci will have significant advantages early/mid game over attackers.

Also, to OPs point, when was the last age when there wasn't a single prince honor rank achieved? That is a little ridiculous, even with the relatively 'short' age this age.