Altering frequency of certain terrain types?

[Ravenloff]

I have zero experience with the mod tools for this great new game, but I was wondering if anyone has any clue about this one.

Just for argument's sake, assume I wanted to alter the frequency of a given terrain type. For instance, say I wanted to do a map with zero, or minimal, deserts and tundras. Any idea how to do that?

For the future era, what would need to be altered to allow Call-To-Power-like "underwater" domed cities and tubes (roads) through the oceans?

What about the ability to alter terrain tiles? I notice we cannot plant forests or change plains to grassland with sufficient technology. While CtP wasn't the greatest game, I really enjoyed the ability to completely alter the terrain as the game progressed.

[Nevs23]

Re: Altering frequency of certain terrain types?

Originally posted by Ravenloff
While CtP wasn't the greatest game, I really enjoyed the ability to completely alter the terrain as the game progressed.

I totaly agree with you.
The terraform ability in ctp and ctp2 was such a great thing, i already missed it in Civ3. But in Civ3 i figured out how to change something to add a water -> land and land -> water feature... but i'm absolut confused how to do this in civ4.
Probably python is the way...
Hope anyone find a solution.

[sophist]

Mods are separate from the scripts that generate map types. I don't think there's a guide to writing map scripts yet, but you can find the ones that came with the game and experiment.

[Ravenloff]

Where would those be?

[seebs]

Map scripts are in the PublicMaps directory. Copy one to the personal directory Civ made for you to do mods in, rename it, and go wild.

Note that "water = 0" as an argument to the generator does not necessarily COMPLETELY eliminate water.