I made a post about this just yesterday

https://forums.elementalgame.com/440686

With 1.3, there seems to be some crazy cap at 9 total.  The Halcyon days of finding anything but cookie-cutter city locations are gone..

Appreciate the info Dangerlinto.  I noticed the max of 9 as well with an occasional 5 g 6 m so up to 11 but no essence in that regard.

I will keep poking around and let you know if I find anything.

To Kongdej: ?

I have looked at the ElementalDef.xml and TerrainTypes.xml and after several trials and errors managed to get the balance ratio I desired.

I consistently get 3-3-3, 2-4-3, 4-4-1 G/M/E or similar ratios.  They are more in keeping with that load screen tip that says to chose those areas with high materials (4-5), etc to build your cities.

This change doesn't make the game easier just a little bit more balanced.  I have notice that enemy starting cities tend to have +1 to G/M/E.  I am not begrudging the game this; It is just an observation.

Another method you can use is to alter the building bonuses to give yourself +G/M/E to suit your play style.

I tend to alter the Items, Armor, Weapons and Units XML files as well to give me the balance I desire in my games.

If anyone has any new armor skins, weapon skins please let me know. I love the vanilla game but am at the point after playing it so much that I desire a more personal touch.

Cool, ty mqpiffle or I should say Airplane Autopilot. I will check that out.