Expanding Tech tree types

I love the idea that we get individualized tech trees, but could a modder create a brand new one? Suppose someone comes up with an awesome new race concept that doesn't really mesh with an existing race. Most racial changes are available. Right now it seems that only Super Ability, Tech Tree and Starship type have to be chosen from a list. Can modification of these 3 be put into the players hands? I assume this could be done by XML changes, but is there another way?

Galen
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Reply #1 Top
I think i read something about a techtree editor being included in the final of TA.
Reply #2 Top
It will be possible to design your own Tech Tree in TA, and it is certainly possible to create Ship Styles, modding was one of the primary reasons they were added, or at least it was kept in mind when they were.

Don't hold your breath for being able to make/modify Super Abilities. Currently, you might be able to modify Super Adaptable, Annihilator, Isolationist, and Trader, since these all give Techs that are certainly able to be modified, but you won't be able to remove Super Isolationist's Speed-reducing ability, though. The others seem to have their abilities directly come from the techs they give, rather than any hard-coding.

Nothing I've messed around with yet, and I'm not really sure how these techs are given to the Civ, that is, if there is any special method to it at all (I vaguely remember reading something about Super Trader giving all techs that give +Trade to the Civ that has the ability... except for ones that have an alignment requirement, but I don't remember where I read that).
Reply #3 Top
Super Trader does indeed give the civ every tech that gives any +trade bonus, except alignment specific ones. This is actually VERY annoying, as it means you can't add any +trade techs without Super Trader becoming overpowered. It would be nice if it looked for the +trade route techs instead of the +trade techs, as that would allow the adding of trade enhancing techs more freely.