Civilization Remake: China (Centralization)
Civilization Remake Series typically focus on civilizations with low pick rates and mediocre mechanics, but there are exceptions. The original Chinese civilization’s traits are certainly not weak, but they often feel too generalized and don’t quite fit the abilities of some leaders (though this mod also provides universal traits, they are at least without the stringent requirement of rushing wonders). Therefore, I decided to create a series of mods that remake the traits of the Chinese civilization. On one hand, this aims to better align with other Chinese leaders instead of only Qin, enriching players’ choices; on the other hand, it seeks to showcase more of China’s unique qualities, allowing the profound historical heritage of China to be more fully represented in the game.
"One Central Secretariat was established, along with eleven Provincial Secretariats… The Central Secretariat holds the reins of the empire, while the ten secretariats divide its governance." —"Taiping Jinjing Ce"
Although many people often regard "feudalism" as a unified characteristic of ancient Chinese dynasties, China actually moved away from the most typical "feudal" system over two thousand years ago. "Feudalism" is a combination of "enfeeffment" and "establishment." The Spring and Autumn Period was the era with the most distinct feudal characteristics. From the Warring States Period to the Qin and Han dynasties, generations of feudal lords and emperors consolidated their power through exploration, continuously seeking more efficient and stable methods to control their ever-expanding territories.
Since the Sui and Tang dynasties, the Three Departments and Six Ministries system further strengthened imperial power, and Centralization began to take shape in the capital and nearby regions, with "enfeeffment" nearly becoming a formality. Learning from the lessons of previous dynasties, the Yuan Dynasty established the provincial system, completing the final piece of the puzzle for Centralization. From then on, the emperor, seated high upon the dragon throne, truly achieved (at least when the system functioned well) control over every inch of this vast empire.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the emperor’s power reached its peak. However, overly stable imperial power led to excessively conservative administrative philosophies, hindering China’s social progress and ultimately resulting in the Century of Humiliation. Entering the modern era, the imperial system ended, but this system, born from the ambitions of imperial power, was not abandoned. Stripped of its imperial exterior, the multi-tiered government system of Centralization has fully demonstrated its advantages in governing massive countries and advancing large-scale projects. Of course, history has also shown its drawbacks in certain situations, and it still requires refinement.
This mod focuses on showcasing the achievements of the Chinese civilization in exploring national governance systems. To this end, the civilization’s abilities have been modified, and a unique district, the "Central Secretariat", has been added. For balance and thematic considerations, the original unique unit "Crouching Tiger" has been removed (A mod patch that can merge all these traits for players who need is provided Here)).
Civilization Ability: Centralization
Each city except the Capital provides +1 Science, Culture and +2 Production, Gold and +1 City Defense for the Capital. Cities within 6 tiles of the Capital receive +8 Identity. If established in the Capital, Governor stretches base abilitiy effects and Tier 1 ability effects to all cities within 6 tiles from the Capital; If additionally having at least 4 titles, Governor stretches base ability effects to the entire Empire.
Unique District: Central Secretariat
Chinese unique district that replaces Government, turning the owner city into Capital. Grants a Wildcard Policy Slot upon completion and allows the owner city to construct an extra District.
"turning into Capital": This does not mean it becomes the original capital (the one required for a conquest victory). Be sure to protect your original capital!
Some missing graphical resources (such as historical moment illustrations) are normal and will be added later.
