Rise and Fall mod for civ 4?

[VarrangianBard]

I was reading about the new Rise and Fall expansion for civ 6 and I couldn't help but feel excited. That type of dynamism, with periods of growth followed by periods of just keeping everything from falling apart could be a great addition to the base civilization experience.

Unfortunately, its an expansion for civ 6. I couldn't get into 5 at all and from what I've heard 6 is even worse. Is there any mod for 4 that has something similar to that kind of dark age/ golden age mechanic, without altering the base game too much?

(Please don't tell me Rhyse and Fall)

 

[devolution]

Any mod based on RevolutionDCM would fit the bill with respect to features like civil war / cities declaring independence. My suggestion would be Legends of Revolution which you can consider as an unofficial expansion pack that does not go overboard with severe bloat and cruft. Please stay well clear of the kitchen sink mods btw (I apologize in advance if I insult anyone )

 

[Xyth]

You might want to try my mod, History Rewritten. It has a mechanic where 'dissent' accumulates in cities over time which can eventually lead to civil war and cities breaking away from a civilization. It works quite differently to Legends of Revolutions and other mods containing the 'Revolutions' component. Dissent is based on your choice of civics, how long you let cities be unhappy or unhealthy, lack of investment in culture, and other such factors. It definitely creates a sense of dynamism in the game; you have to make the most of your golden ages and sometimes you're fighting just to keep things from crumbling (or trying to stop your opponents from stealing your crumbs). HR does alter and add to the base game a number of other ways, but I strive to ensure it doesn't depart from it in spirit. It's most definitely not a kitchen sink mod. Every change and addition has been integrated carefully.

 

[Absolution]

I was reading about the new Rise and Fall expansion for civ 6 and I couldn't help but feel excited. That type of dynamism, with periods of growth followed by periods of just keeping everything from falling apart could be a great addition to the base civilization experience.

Unfortunately, its an expansion for civ 6. I couldn't get into 5 at all and from what I've heard 6 is even worse. Is there any mod for 4 that has something similar to that kind of dark age/ golden age mechanic, without altering the base game too much?

(Please don't tell me Rhyse and Fall)

Not Rhye's and Fall, but another very well acclaimed mod from here - The Revolution DCM mod. You can find it in the Civ4 Projects and mod development forum category.
It is random, compared to RFC.
It includes birth of new civs out of Barbarian concentrations in neglected areas, rebellious sentiment / instability points (can call it Loyalty ) which can cause cities to rebel and spawn a rebel army.
Severe rebellions can cause new civilisations to be created in the middle of the game and attack the mother civilisation.
Civics, religion, nationality (culture %) and distant can contribute or harm the stability (of your empire or of each city).
Dynamic civ naming is a fun aesthetical issue which make it more interesting - Roman Rebels, Holy Dutch Kingdom, Fiefdom of Mali and the Sumerian Free State instead of "Empire" for all - depends on civics, ethnic definition and political situation (vassalage, rebellion).
In fact, I think it is actually better than Rise and Fall will be in how it simulates the dynamics of real history.