I understand the worlds barren. But water is the ultimate source of life. Rivers bring food, drink etc. If we have to have barren world make it a lively one that has some basis for life.

I would love to cast a spell to create river flow, hence greenery and farms. Just a fools hope here we have more emphasis on the land, and magic, than building cities this way to get our armies. Don't give me cookie cutter locals to build on, but a map with variable options and spells to accomplish my goals.

I don't think it can be done here at this late stage, but one aspect I loved about Master of Magic...The surveyor! you could see at a glimpse what the value of the land area was, and make informed city starts. Every square had a value.

Anyone like to debate ways to liven up the barren wastes? Lava rivers perhaps