You are using the huge map mod right? I think there is a bug with that and cities making starts like that. I get them from time to time as well, and just CTRL-N a new map

(afaik there was a fix for this as well, but I didn't get that)

'he' might have wanted somewhere to settle, unless 'he' had the 'show tile yeilds' off.

harpo

My first crack at this map ended badly, so I restarted having a little foreknowledge of the immediate area.  Under the goodie hut on the right reveals a single tile to plant a city.  Toughest map I've had generated on me so far.

Only have a couple of mods installed (Below).  Don't have the Big Map mod.

Ginsu Knives
River Bridge
Arcane Artificers

@Coyote303; Tile Yields were on.  Think I pulled 2 Helmets and a Mace