TDM-ModPack 2.00 BETA

[oleg]

I think there may be some general setup problem with TDM-Mod Pack:

As most people already know, there is a bug/feature which cause problems with random race picking: SEIV does not allow a race to have several advanced traits with combined points exceeding the race set-up limit, even if you make up deficit buy reducing race traits.
Example: if you have Aquileans (organic+advanced storage=2500) as a random race in 2000 game, it will start with organic trait only and 1000 points left unused. At the same time, Rage (advanced storage+propulsion expert=2000) will have all points utilized.

Of course, as documented by Master Belisarious in the readme files of Aquelians and Pyrochette , it can be easily solved by always using .emp files for such races. This is nice and simple when you have one or two problematic races, but look on TDM-Mod pack -
Aquelian, Narn, Pyrochette, Shadows, Ukra-tal, Toron, Xiati and may be some more races all have advanced traits worth 2500 at 2000 strart.

Thus, when I start a new game I have few options:

If galaxy is huge, I can pick all these races .emp files and still have enough room to put few random races. No big deal.

However, If galaxy is medium/small and/or I want only few AI races I have a dilemma:
Either disable random AI generation and pick up exactly what races I want eliminating quite a big slice of game randomness and fun or, if for some silly reason I want some elements of surprise and uncertanity, take a risk that one or more races will start with 1000 handicap !

Therefore, I propose that all TDM-races should be changed to accomodate this bug/feature. Of cource, .emp files can still be set as intended, but AI_genral.txt files changed. After all, it is in moddler' own interest that his/her race will not nave a 1000 penalty if it is used as a random race in TDM-Mod Pack !

Oleg