Travel distance between regions?

[grimjaw]

I'm considering making a few minor modifications to the map, mostly to redraw some images to more accurately represent coastal areas. However, there are a few state boundaries that nag at me and I'd like to split a few regions along the state lines that cross them. However, there is at least one important question I don't know the answer to, and that's how the travel time is determined between regions.

Not counting the special regions like California and Arizona, and assuming that I converted all regions to clear terrain and it's always nice weather with no rain, snow or mud; not crossing a waterway; and using the same element in each case: does it take the same amount of time to travel between any two adjacent regions, or is there distance data incorporated into the region files that make it variable depending on the regions?

[Captain_Orso]

I'm not sure how the travel time between regions is determined. I think it's a function of the map in general, so if the region is clear and has a civilization level of x and trails, roads or rail, considering the weather, the time to enter the region is determined.

What I do know is that you cannot simple edit the regional graphics to change a region. The graphics are made to fit the regions and not the other way around. The regions are created with the map-engine--a tool, which I don't know is still available--which defines the regions more-or-less like a vector graphic by defining the outside edge of the region in Cartesian coordinates.

So to split a region into two regions one would have to redefine the original region and then create the new region, fix the graphics and then import the whole thing into the game, which I also imagine would not be a trivial thing.

Personally I don't think regions should follow any political organization. Those should have nothing to do with it. They should follow geographical boundaries.

[grimjaw]

I'm not sure how the travel time between regions is determined. I think it's a function of the map in general, so if the region is clear and has a civilization level of x and trails, roads or rail, considering the weather, the time to enter the region is determined.

Orso, I didn't explain myself well.

Assume the following theoretical situation, with the existing map, and do not consider any of the regions that highly abstract things, such as Arizona.

- *every* region is clear terrain
- the sun is always shining, the weather is never harsh, and the roads are always firm
- there is road transport in every region
- the element traversing regions is using medium horse type of movement

With those in mind, is the travel time between *any* two adjacent regions on the map the same, no matter which regions we're talking about?

[ArmChairGeneral]

I think i see where you both are going, and I get both of you. Grim is asking: Ceteris parabus, are adjacent regions all the same "distance" apart, or do certain regions require extra time in transit because of their notional map distance. Orso: Trying to split regions is for the most part not possible since it is so difficult. Both: there might be some workaround, or a partway solution like a different graphic to better represent problematic regions better. Perhaps, if there is a variable "distance" between particular regions, that could be altered for various effects....

[Captain_Orso]

I'm not sure how the travel time between regions is determined. I think it's a function of the map in general, so if the region is clear and has a civilization level of x and trails, roads or rail, considering the weather, the time to enter the region is determined.

Orso, I didn't explain myself well.

Assume the following theoretical situation, with the existing map, and do not consider any of the regions that highly abstract things, such as Arizona.

- *every* region is clear terrain
- the sun is always shining, the weather is never harsh, and the roads are always firm
- there is road transport in every region
- the element traversing regions is using medium horse type of movement

With those in mind, is the travel time between *any* two adjacent regions on the map the same, no matter which regions we're talking about?

Yes, I believe that is the rule.

[grimjaw]

Yes, I believe that is the rule.

I thought so. Unfortunately that complicates any division of current regions. Very frustrating.

[Captain_Orso]