Colonization 101

[Carthaginian]

Ok, this will have some large illustrations which may need to be cut down- I will do this if it proves necessary.


Barsoom* was initially settled in a relatively concentrated area. This seemed to make the most sense at the time; the settlers decided that they would put their various nations close enough that trade and interaction would be possible, but far enough apart that friction between their small states would be minimal. Over centuries, the nations grew and technology began to make the world smaller. Populations blossomed, and slowly 'ample room' became 'too close for comfort.' Now- at the dawn of air travel and in a period where steam power dominates- the initially comfortable distances have shrunk to make each nation feel ever more constricted within it's traditional boundaries.

Overseas colonization was the only answer. The Barsoomian nations had long known about the other continents of their world- they had conducted the equivalent of 'hit and run' raids on them for resources for ages to supplement the production of their homelands. Now, however, the need for extra resources has become constant, and the 'easy pickings' along the coasts are no longer sufficient to support the Barsoomian nations. Settlements- complete with facilities to process the bulky raw materials into a more useful and easily transportable form- are necessary.


MAP #1

Initially, only continent #1 will be available for settlement. If sufficient numbers of people decide to play, then we will open continent #2. If there are not enough people to open Continent #2, it will remain closed in the event of new players arriving.

People will send me the desired area that they wish to settle on Continent #1. There must be sufficient room in that area for you to fit all your Major Ports. The placement of Major Ports must follow these rules; the crosses on the Map #2 are one square in size, use them to measure.:
1.) Major Ports cannot be closer than two contiguous Land Squares; if they are, they would be competing too closely for resources.
2.) Major Ports cannot be more distant than four contiguous Land Squares; if they are, they cannot maintain overland trade.
3.) Major Ports cannot be closer than three contiguous Land Squares to the nearest city of another player.
4.) Major Ports cannot be place on a Mountain tile.

MAP #2

Here we see a settlement layout for four nations. The pink arrows indicate violations of the rules for port placement.
#1 points to a Port in the Yellow Nation, which has been placed on a Mountain tile.
#2 points to a Port in the White Nation, which is too close to a rival city.
#3 points to a Port in the Red Nation, which is more than four contiguous land tiles from it's neighbor.

The Orange Nation has placed it's cities in accordance to the rules.


More on this subject will be coming soon- WATCH THIS SPACE FOR DEVELOPMENTS.
*Forgive me for the name- I'm reading Edgar Rice Burroughs ATM.