Description
===========

This is a custom template for the in game random map generator. It aims at creating large and extra large maps with one zone per faction so they're all represented.

There are 8 areas (one per faction) and a neutral one that must be crossed to get to the others. The neutral area is marked as Haven (because it has to be one of the 8 and Random would be unfair for most factions. It's a rich template with 6 abandonned mines, plenty of treasure buildings and artifacts on the map guarded by very large stacks of creatures. 

I mostly generate Large maps with it and it worked real fine. Sometimes there is no Utopia but there are lots of goodies, it's rich, you can expect to get extra spells from mages (perhaps Arcane Library if there is one on the map). By the end of a game most surviving heroes are at least level 26-7 (I once got Vinrael up to level 31 with the turban and armour of enlightenment). 

Considering the random element involved maps will be somewhat different in content but what you can expect is 8 faction zones with similar resources all linked (with roads or teleports) to a very rich and well defended ninth zone that may or may not be at the center of the map (but which will be linked to every other zone regardless). 

There is no way (at least not that I know of) to force the game to use roads instead of teleports but with enough patience and perseverance it's possible to create a map with roads only and with the bigger neutral zone at the centre of the map.

The main drawback is that during generation you can actually see where the factions are located so in order to keep things fresh I'd suggest generating a number of maps in advance so that when you end up picking one you don't necessarily have the layout of the map in mind. 

If you're curious about templates you can check this thread:

http://heroescommunity.com/viewthread.php3?TID=24002&pagenumber=1

Some of the links may be dead but the information is still very useful and relevant. 

Have a nice game!

Install
=======

1. Extract this archive to any folder and then copy the xdb file to the Heroes of Might and Magic V - Tribes of the East\data\RMG\Templates folder (you will have to create the RMG and Templates folders in the data folder).

2. Start the game and select the option "Generate a map" 

3. Select the size (preferably Large or Extra Large) and select the number of players (8)

4. Check the box next to "Custom Template" and click ok when the message warning you that it's an advanced setting comes up

5. Select the "8Heroes" template in the list (it should be the first)

6. Generate the map (you can see the location of factions on the minimap)

7. Name your new map and save it

8. Go back to the custom game menu and select your new map

Uninstall
=========

1. Delete the xdb file from the data\RMG\Templates folder 

Compatibility
===============

It should be compatible with every localized version of Heroes of Might and Magic V Tribes of the East. 

Known Issues or Bugs
====================

None.

Credits
=======

Credits should go to people from heroescommunity.com mostly Zilonite for the User-made template for RMG thread which made me realise how fun it could be to play with these settings almost ten years ago. 

Thanks to the Nexus for being so awesome and allowing us to share mods for other (and older) games