I've been hearing a lot of people complain about starting positions, and I have the same problem - often having to redraw the map 8-10 times to get even a tenuously interesting position from which to start my empire...

From the different commetns I am realizing that other people enjoy the "start in the wild and make your way" beginnings, but I am an empire-builder, and would like to have at least 3 reasonable city positions where I start...

With this in mind, I would like to offer an idea (not certain how difficult it would be but I've seen it implemented): other than the size of the map and the type of predominant terrain, why not have another option for new games which determines the TYPE of game you want to play! Here are some possible options:

- isolationist (starting positions even more defended/isolated with mountains, sea or crags, few 2ndary city positions available)

- exploration (similar to today),

- empire-building (starting positions farther next to rivers or valleys, fewer mountains and crags, more space for cities)

- close quarters (starting positions close to each-other, much unexplored land beyond)

This would give us another dimention in replayability, changing the feel of FE from a more hero-based quest/exploration game to a more empire-building, expansionary game depending on the type of map...

What do people think? Is this doable (perhaps in an expansion)?