The thing I like about this kind of research is that you identify the problem (i.e. not enough food), but that doesn't mean you'll get the orchard you need for that one town. You might get bees, or better farms, or something else. So it's still random, but a little more in the area of finding a problem, instead of getting 20 techs all available.

Question: going along with this, what if you research an armor tech halfway, and then switch to weapons? Does that research stay in armor presumably?

Yeah, I wanted to break it out of the thread and flesh it out some more.  This is for names and flavor, the other thread I just started (with a huge block quote of you) is for the idea itself.  Have to run!

Hah, I try to read as much as possible before posting, so that I can credit appropriately, since that just seems fair.  Whether you like it or not, have some credit!

Lets try some more names - this is purely speculative given I have no idea beyond a very general one how different categories beyond civilization and warfare work.

Magic:

• Enchantment (Magic Equipment, City Buffs)
• Power (Spell Point Buildings, Spell Research)
• Mastery (Spell Research Buildings, Counterspells, Victory Condition)
• Essence (Infusing Champions, Uses of Essence)

Adventuring:

• Gear (Adventuring Gear, longstrider boots, compasses etc.)
• Beast Handling
• Quests (Bonuses for doing quests)
• Recruitment (Hiring bonuses, equipping bonuses - reduce shop costs etc.)

Diplomacy:

• Negotiation
• Subterfuge/Deception
• Cooperation
• Influence