Ok,Tulliman, I think this should answer your questions.
To play a custom map on the zone, just make all settings
Decide In Game. When you are in AoK Multiplayer setup,
in Map Type menu, choose Scenario, then select it from the
list. Make sure everyone has the EXACT copy of the map.
However, unlike single player games, you CAN have pop 200.
(I'm sure you veterans, all know that of course, though.)
Here a few tips and ideas for some multiplayer maps:
-An "alamo" type map...perhaps a city for 2 players vs 3
others outside the city. (I'm working on a map like that,
maybe you could give me some help?)
-A Crater Lake map, with an cliff island with 1 player on
it, and other players on the mainland
-A reverse capture the flag level. Win by getting a relic
or other hero (King?) by a square marked by flags in enemy
territory. Team island-type map?
I can't think of any other map ideas now...email me later?
But here are some other tips for map making.
-For realistic maps, try to use matching terrain. For instance, when was the last time you saw palm trees in
Ireland? Or pine trees in Arabia? Also, remember that
gold mines do not naturally appear in perfect 6x6 tiles,
or forage bushes popping out of the ground everywhere.
(For more effects, tricks and design tips, check out my
template coming out in a day or two!)
Also, I do reccomend placing your own player start locations
since the computer can tend to place them in...rather
annoying locations. And what usually takes the bore out of
a map is giving teams or players a few starting buildings..
depending on what age they're in. For instance, if I started
out in the Imperial age, 1 or 2 war-unit making buildings
(Barracks, Archery R., Stable, Siege Wshp, etc), some houses
and a mill with some farms would seem an ideal start.
Well, you'll have to find out what works and what doesnt
for yourself. On the Zone, you're Tulliman, right?
E-mail me if you can...match_head@mytalk.com
(Sorry for the long post)
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Don't bother running from me. You'll just die tired.