PBEM quickstart mod

[Flandrien]

The principle is very simple (I like simple idea's):
Make settlers very cheap to build, so you can get through the boring early stage of PBEM quicker.
These settlers cost only 10 shield (in stead of 30), and 1 citizen (in stead of 2).
They can be built until you either discover horseback riding, or iron working.

Comments or suggestions are welcome.

[alva]

Why not just ask someone to pre-place a couple of cities/settlers on a random map and start from there?

[Harovan]

Why not just give everybody 4 or 5 settlers instead of one from the start?

[Flandrien]

Originally posted by alva
Why not just ask someone to pre-place a couple of cities/settlers on a random map and start from there?

I like to place my cities myself, thank you.

Originally posted by Sir Ralph
Why not just give everybody 4 or 5 settlers instead of one from the start?

Can work, if the map is generated by an independent person, not participating in the game.

Did anyone here try this yet ?
Or is the slow start not really such a problem in PBEM ?

[Harovan]

I know, in other games (CtP comes in mind, but others too), they operate in MP games with "start packs" since long, which include settlers and some units for scouting and protection.

On your second question, to be honest, the "slow start" is not a problem for me at all. At the countrary, I like it.

[Harovan]

Oh, and on the map issue, well, in other games they use to have a moderator in each game, who balances out the map and replaces players, who are temporarily absent. This is not a problem, since he is neutral and won't take advantage on things he learned earlier.