you are correct. i noticed that too.
I'm not certain how much xml tweaking I can do to help remedy this. But some seems to be possible with the leaderhead file (if I remember correctly). The issue might go deeper, and if that's the case, it'll take alot more time. There's a very long list of features I'm wanting to get at before then, even if this aspect really sucks in the meantime.
How did you feel about the finances of the factions you've played? They may be a little overdone... I find by late game it's often possible to be raking in 500-1000$ a turn... though you have to really work for it.
i was playing it in inmortal, therefore my worries...
Now that I think of it I think the standard setting was at Noble, not Prince. Whatever the standard is is what it was tested on. But if you're not on the verge of desperation on immortal there's a serious problem.
well, i actually used to play the original civ2 version, and it had that trick.
dont know if it´s doable in civ4.
I'm planning several sdk/python changes... and if you check out fall from heaven they have been able to implement improvements that spawn units. It doesn't appear so difficult, but my off-season is generally from november-early january, so unfortunately it may have to wait if I'm going to do it myself. I've thought about hiring help (and actually paying them) for the project, to be honest... someone who has a solid understanding of SDK and python and can do it quickly and well. That could speed things up considerably. This is an interesting scenario right now... but it could be spectacular.
I've actually wanted to do this scenario for years.
mmm... that´s interesting. you feel that it´s a matter of sheer numbers then?
No doubt there is a certain level of critical mass at which Morgoth's forces can begin posing a serious threat to the free peoples on the opening turns. Of course that variable also interplays with other variables, such as the defensive bonuses, and the raw strength of the units involved. The Balrogs may be slightly underpowered too. I am wanting to do more than simply make Morgoth more dangerous in the opening turns though. He needs a better industrial base ... and alot more cunning.
You might notice too that the free peoples have more starting strength than in the original civ2 version. If we cut them back, say 15-30% or so, it may not be necessary to give Morgoth many more units. I'd like things to be epic, hopelessly outnumbered, but at the same time if the first turn takes 2 hours... it might limit the games replayability.
Also, the heal penalty given to Morgoth may have to be scrapped, or the AI will need to be taught to retreat with his units to heal them somewhere more appropriate. That should give him at least a little more staying power.
I'm thinking of some features that might reflect some of Morgoth's cunning use of less direct, more deceptive approaches. Plague, fear, dissension, treachery... and the power of the Oath. Between the two great battles, Ulfang will play his part. As well as the silmarils. All these planned changes turn this into a major project though. Phase one was to get it out and balanced maximizing the game's xml capacity before moving on to other changes. As you've noted, there's still a bit of work to do in this respect... and if you're willing to provide any data... that will actually be a very huge help. If you have any questions about what xml files certain variables can be found in, don't be shy to ask!
Have you been able to take Angband?
