I have not really considered the research setting (and I will not be playing in the game, so it isn't as if I would have a say in the matter); the default setting will be applied unless most players want it to be changed. Either way, settings will be final before making the Pretenders at the latest.
Harder research could be considered because of the alliances, as not all fields of research would be really needed (namely Blood, and Conjuration/Construction could perhaps be delayed as well). I wouldn't call that a reasoning though, but simply an opinion, or one example of "host trying to figure out something to say about research setting besides a 'to be determined' comment".
And speaking of the settings, here they come:
- Map: Theater of War, with set, known starting locations. The map will be slightly modified, and the .map file will be made available.
- Independents: 6
- Research: Normal
- Site frequency: 50%
- Hall of Fame: 15 entries
- Scores are off, but there will be vague comments from the host about how the nations are faring
- Victory condition: Last team standing (or when all teams are willing to concede to a team)
- Mod: Zen Pretenders mod 2.0, available from
here. The latest change lot for the mod is available
here (it is currently the latest post in the thread).