And on with the show ... I start as Isabella of Spain (Organized, Protective) by settling in place, selecting Meditation and starting a workboat. A very little bit of micro - work the sheep instead of the ocean for +2F, -1C still lands the tech in 7 turns but also grows in 7 turns. I send my scout North and my Warrior South.
My scout quickly finds Monty (T8 - 3680BC), hangs a right and finds Mansa (T13 - 3480BC) who founds Hinduism (T15 - 3400BC). Its Louis XIV next (T18 - 3280BC) who has left an un-popped hut right on his border ... why do AIs do this?
Catherine turns up next (T33 - 2680BC) and then Zara (T36 - 2560BC). I finally met #6, Elizabeth on T37 (2520BC) and that brings my competitors to a close. My scout has blasted straight East for the majority of the game while I have a work boat heading up the West coast towards Zara. His borders block the way, but nothing that a little war declaration cannot fix. Thus on T43 (2280BC), I prove that the world is in fact round ...
So, stage 1 draws to a close. I have my early religion, I have my +1 boat movement, I know everyone and I have even selected my first target (Zara). I decide not to spend any Espionage Points against Zara (hopefully he will be dead very quickly).