How can I place Nations on a map?

[Hoplosternum]

I would like to modify a map for a mp game I am planning.

I would like to modify a map so that I can place the starting capitals AND the nations that they will be at those locations. But otherwise I want the map to be unknown to me so that the location of magic sites etc. is unknown so that I can take part in the game. And will these change (the magic sites etc.) everytime I play the map or are they fixed liked the capitals so that if I or anyone else wanted to they could 'learn' the map?

I have played around a little in the map editor but don't seem to be able to place nations at all, just designate places as no start. So I assume I have to modify the .MAP file in a text editor? But what do I put in to do this?

So is this possible and if so how can it be done?

Thanks!