Mega non-random map

[Twan]

Some things (special sites, gateways, free cities, harbours etc) are better to be represented on the image (if I use them), so people don't have to read the map file to know where they are.

Specials like population or sites or even connexions can always be removed, or .map re-generated to change anything. I'll probably post a v0.1 vanilla version just after map editor stage anyway.

But my questions applies to the kind of features / balance elements players would like to effectively see included in a map *used for a massive multiplayer*.

This map is built around start positions, because the main reason I like non-random maps is to have as equal possible start areas in MP (when I don't see their interest for SP), and looking like they should look (I know some map generators adjust neighbours etc... to allow better start position, but they don't adjust the image, then you end with farmlands looking like swamps, unintuitive connexions between provinces etc).

Then I also like maps with special strategic provinces, and some gateways in huge maps, but it's more an option.

But considering it's a MP map needing 66 players to be used, I see no interest in spending time on a map version with all these hand made features and balance elements, to then see a random map (or a map version with all special removed) prefered, it's why I ask.

[Edratman]

Twan. it sounds like you are proposing 2 maps. A basic map for "everyday" use and the same map with many map edits for MP. That sounds like a very good idea to me.

By the way, I love 1500 province maps. You can play the same map 20-30 times and continually be surprised by the opportunities available in different locations, specially if there are gateways/ports that allow travl to non-adjacent provinces.

[Atreidi]

When will you finish the map?

[Twan]

Hum... Started to draw the terrains more than a week ago and less than a half is done. Also I'll try to make minimal distance between caps 5 provinces, so I have a lot of fronteers to change (and more natural barreers explaining the unpassable borders to add).

Then there is the map editor phase. Then the manual edition of the .map file (for start locations etc...). Then the longest step is testing the map and fix missing/wrong neighbours etc.

I think I can say map will be ready for the next megagame anyway.

[Zeldor]

I would rather expect 2 new land nations [machakas] added in a patch, not a water nation.

[Twan]

As I doubt a megagame will start before next spring, I think it's better to let space for one more, just in case (also a recent patch note say the unit cap will be higher, if it's really very high even LA rlyeh may be usable).

In worse case LA Atlantis can easily be modded to start underwater as all units are amphibious, and the free coastal spot used for one more land nation.

[Endoperez]

LA Atlantis gets much worse recruitment under water. No mages at all IIRC, and weak MA troops instead of ice armor guys.