I would like some input for a map idea I am considering. It is based on the Warring States period of Chinese history. This was a really interesting time period with numerous States competing for power and influence. It was a time of warfare and deception, as well as rapid advances in technology and philosophy. In this period lived many legendary generals and great philosophers, including the author of the Art of War, Sun Tzu, and the founder of Confucianism, Kong Fuzi. I am designing a scenario in which the players can research technology and develop philosophies in order to gain the edge in battle.
Map Name: Something like Warring States of China, 7 Kingdoms, 100 Schools of Thought, Chan Kuo or Chinese Unification
Mapmaker(s): Cynther + possibly a more experienced graphics artist
Number of Territories:
Special Features:
These are some of the gameplay ideas that I am currently working with. Nothing is set in stone, and everything is open to discussion - any input is much appreciated
- Tech trees / Schools of Philosophy
Chains of "technologies" (territories) that can be "researched" (conquered), which provide some benefit like a one-way assault opportunity or a troop bonus. Possible research chains include Weapon techs, Art of War, Great Wall, Legalism, Confucianism, Mohism, Taoism, Mandate of Heaven, Five Elements, etc. - Composite bonus areas
The larger states form the basis of the bonus areas, while the smaller states that were historically conquered provide additional bonuses if the conquering state is held. - The King of Zhou
Controlling the domain of the Zhou dynasty (who was the nominal ruler of the entire area) will give a bonus based on the number of State Capitals held. - Xiong Nu barbarians
These can be controlled and attack the northern provinces - perhaps through one-way bombardment (if held) or decaying provinces (if not held). Researching Great Wall can protect against barbarian attacks.
Has potential to take advantage of some of the newest XML features like conditional attacks & bonusses. Also, the addition of a tech tree to a normal map type is not seen on many existing maps. I know there's already a couple of maps featuring China, but those maps have a broader geographic scope (i.e. Greater China area or South East Asia), and they cover different time periods with different province division.
Map Image:
Currently working on a draft, but I am not a great artist. The image below is from Wikipedia, but will not be used in the map. However, it shows roughly the area I imagine the map will span. So the whole of China will not be included, just the eastern plains with the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers, which is the area that was historically under Chinese influence in this period.
What do you guys think? What I need help with the most, I think, is ideas for which research chains to include. Which are exciting, and what benefits could they provide?
First draft