Idea for a new map
 

How about maps with multiple islands.

Each island is one center territory with 4 adjacent.

Map 8, would have 8 islands. Map 12.. 12 islands. Regardless of the number of islands, let the number of sea hexes remain constant.

This would allow all nations to have pretty darn near equal starting positions.

Re: Idea for a new map
 

This map would have problems for many nations. IIRC, either air or water magic is required to forge items that will enable commanders to take troops into the sea. Without those paths you are trapped forever on your island. Even if you get amphibian indy's your main recruitable units are still stuck on the island.

There are some rituals that would allow you to transport armies over the water, but they are pretty research intensive and would come way too late in my opinion.

Re: Idea for a new map
 

not to mention the fact water nations would own the rest

Re: Idea for a new map
 

Of course you could make islands of about 9-15 provinces with for example a land connection to another island in each of the four major directions..

that would make a nice (possible wrap around) map, if you severly limit the number of water provinces it could even be balanced for water nations (or you could just leave the out)