Newfoundland (BTS)

[Cuthbert Calc]

I happen to like the challenge of resource-poor maps, and yet I also get a kick out of real-world based maps. So... I thought I'd try Newfoundland!

This was my first attempt at mapmaking. I'm quite pleased with the way it turned out, except that I didn't realize that you couldn't change the civilizations once you've started. So I'm stuck with seven random civilizations, instead of the selection I had in mind (England, France, Vikings, Americans, Native Americans, Maya, and Inca).

If anybody knows if there's a way to make that change, let me know. Also, the resources may need adjustment. I've tried to put some basic resources around each starting point (using resources that might realistically be found in Newfoundland, plus a few substitutes), but I don't know if it's really very well balanced. I'd love to see a version of this tweaked for playability!

View attachment 196529

 

[-sr]

I'll give it a try.
What about a screenshot?

You can edit a map by opening it with Notepad. For example, for replacing Zulu by Maya, replace any CIVILIZATION_ZULU by CIVILIZATION_MAYA. Also replace leaderheads, starting techs, path for the flag etc. You can get all informations about the civs you need in these two files (you can open both with Notepad too):
- Beyond the Sword/Assets/XML/Civilizations/CIV4CivilizationInfos.xml
- Beyond the Sword/Assets/XML/Art/CIV4ArtDefines_Civilization.xml

 

[Cuthbert Calc]

Here's a screenshot (it's a standard-sized map, but square)

View attachment 196621

I noticed one Civ got an extra settler (instead of a scout), so I've fixed that and made a couple of minor improvements to the map (joined a river to one of the starting locations). Here's the new version of the Worldbuilder file:

View attachment 196617

What I have in mind for this is that resources should be scarce for everyone (Newfoundland is a tough place to eke out a living), but the various civs should still have a roughly equal playing field.

Abundant resources: Fish, Whale, Crab, Fur, Oil (in the east and northwest, as a substitute for natural gas)

Fairly plentiful resources: Copper, Stone, Deer

Scarce resources: Aluminum, Coal, Marble, Clam, Corn, Cow, Sheep, Gems, Gold, Silver, Wine (from berries!)

I don't think any of the other resources belong on the map at all.

(By the way, if anyone from the Rock would like to comment on that distribution of resources, go ahead - I'm not from there myself!)


I made a start on placing them, but I started to wonder if I was going to end up with a playable scenario, so I thought I'd ask for a second opinion.
Thanks in advance for any time you end up spending on it!

 

[Cuthbert Calc]

Hmm... I just tried starting a game on it, and for some reason I've already made contact with one of the other Civs. Take a look at what Fred had to say:

View attachment 196623