I was sad that HoMM5 doesn't really have much of a random map generator (at least not without expansions or patch.  They added a map editor after a few patches, but it looked like you had to do all creation from scratch)

You know what would be hilarious is if it could generate a "tiny island start" as pictured above, and then God appears in the clouds (ala Monty Python and the Holy Grail) and goes on a rant "I make you one of a handful of people in the entire WORLD that can channel but that's not good enough for YOU, oh no, it's 'There's not enough land for my castle! Boo Hoo!' you ungrateful little twerp! Fine I will remake the entire world just so you have enough room to expand! I did a really fine job on the shruberries this go round, but NO not good enough for the likes of you was it? I doubt they'll be half so good next time.

'And the bears that I had created - perfect for cavalry! - well next time you just might be riding a giant slug if you are lucky!

OK, I am in a weird, weird mood.

That picture is awesome. If Denryu's easter egg doesn't quite work out, at least give the game a one in 100,000 chance of generating that island. Someone would get it at some point

The world generator is more than just a map layer. It actually forms realistic terrain and geological stone layers. Its the only game I know of other than Alpha Centauri that replicates rain shadows.

/comfort Landisaurus  I'm sure your fire slugs will be just fine.  But you have to admit they are not quite as good as the Bear Calvery!

  Rawr!

Not to be the impatient one of the group...but weren't we promised something this week?

That question points to the fundamental dilemma of the boards during this pre-beta time. Do we want the devs typing to us about what they're doing, or doing more of what they're doing? I change my opinion constantly.

I agree.  Its not too much, and he said we'd have something awesome this week.   That being said, right after this post we did get a pretty fat wall of info from frogboy.  Nothing particularly specific, but it did answer some generic questions.

That being said, if the hour each week I imagine it takes make a post and get it approved by marketing (or whatever stardock has that can decide what can and cannot be released to the public without violating NDA) makes the difference between having a playable version in may rather than june somehow, I'll take updates only once a month if need be.

It's better to have them working on the game than distracted posting. That said, I would really like a true weekly update. Even if it's just to share with us how has been their week at the office.

You gave us an awesome screenshot so Im satisified...until next Friday 

A starting location like this wouldn't necessarily be bad if lots of resources exist nearby.  For instance, if you could turn it into a major port, or if you had just a bit more land with some useful resources.  Turtles might love it.  I'm sure Gondolin wouldn't have looked like a good starting location, but it worked for a few hundred years.