[QUESTION] Limits of Python/XML regarding my ideas

[salaminizer]

Hi, sorry if this is another "limits of Python/XML regarding my ideas" thread, but I think it's wise to ask before trying and 1. checking it's impossible 2. think it's impossible because I am unable to do it.

Question #1: I want to get the AI to move some caravans (new unit) around between cities. Each time the caravan reaches a city, it generates some gold. then it stays around for some turns when it goes back or to another city. Python is enough for it? (order goto city M, wait X turns, order goto city N, wait X turns, repeat)
Variation #1: The caravan can be "captured" and generate gold to the capturer.
Variation #2: a fixed map makes it easier or the general case will help me out in the future? (expanding it, for example)
Observation #1: I've seen the Pirates! scenario, but I haven't checked it yet (and right now I can't). It seems to me that the Treasure ships thing is something like my caravan, am I right?

Question #2: Can I allow unit upgrades in a city without allowing the player to build the unit? If I can, it must be done using Python or XML is enough?

Question #3: Can a "Heal" action be done with Python? I plan to have a "Healer" who can (obviously) heal another unit(s) in the same tile once a turn.

Question #4 (kinda stupid I guess, but I need to have it confirmed before messing with the XMLs): is it enough to give a -1 cost tech as starting tech to have it impossible of being researched? Or even better, is there any way of making a tech civilization-unique through XML?

Question #5: can I take civics down to 1 or 2 per group of civics? I ask the same for religions, can I have just 1 or 2 religions?

Question #6: is there a minimum and maximum number of techs needed for a game? (maximum in the meaning of the end of a tech tree)

Again, sorry if I'm the 133145th person asking the 6 questions above, but I have some ideas and the mod centers around this ideas, so if I have to use the SDK since the beginning I won't even start the mod. I know C++, Python, etc, but I want the mod to be done bottom-up, not going straight to the "core".

And I just wanna know if all this is possible just with Python and XML, I'm not asking HOW to do it I'll eventually ask it, but for now, I just wanna know if its possible - if you know any mod which already implements it, I welcome any support!!

thank you.

 

[Zebra 9]

Question #1: I want to get the AI to move some caravans (new unit) around between cities. Each time the caravan reaches a city, it generates some gold. then it stays around for some turns when it goes back or to another city. Python is enough for it? (order goto city M, wait X turns, order goto city N, wait X turns, repeat)

Possible but could be your worst head ache yet.

Question #2: Can I allow unit upgrades in a city without allowing the player to build the unit? If I can, it must be done using Python or XML is enough?

Not sure what you mean.

Question #3: Can a "Heal" action be done with Python? I plan to have a "Healer" who can (obviously) heal another unit(s) in the same tile once a turn.

Possible, but again the AI could be a head ache.

Question #4 (kinda stupid I guess, but I need to have it confirmed before messing with the XMLs): is it enough to give a -1 cost tech as starting tech to have it impossible of being researched? Or even better, is there any way of making a tech civilization-unique through XML?

You could do using a -1 cost or by making a tech civ specific in the CIV4CivilizationInfos.xml file.

Question #5: can I take civics down to 1 or 2 per group of civics? I ask the same for religions, can I have just 1 or 2 religions?

You sure can.

Question #6: is there a minimum and maximum number of techs needed for a game? (maximum in the meaning of the end of a tech tree)

I don't believe so.

 

[salaminizer]

Possible but could be your worst head ache yet.
Not sure what you mean.
Possible, but again the AI could be a head ache.
You could do using a -1 cost or by making a tech civ specific in the CIV4CivilizationInfos.xml file.
You sure can.
I don't believe so.

about #2, I want to have an Archery Range that lets the player upgrade their Archers to Crossbow but doesn't allow the player to build the Crossbowmen.

about #3, I don't plan giving it to the AI

thanks a LOT for the other answers

 

[Zebra 9]

Ok, then for number 2 use python to prevent cities from building crossbows.

 

[Dale]

#4, just use the bDisable tag in the xml file. It shows red in the tree, and can't be researched. You have to give it to the civ via python.