Can data files be changed between turns?

[Possum]

This is an interesting idea indeed.

Or you could have a race that has "seasons". Six months out of the year they are passive and easy-going, and then the last 4 months (10 months per SE4 year, remember), they have their "mating season", and get wildly aggressive and warlike.

In fact this opens up all sorts of ideas...

[Gandalf Parker]

Stargate Atlantis:
the Wraiths hibernate for years and then awaken to ravage every planet they can reach. They are quiet until you actually make contact, then you set off their alarms and they boil forth.

[Gandalf Parker]

Hmmm...
if I write a Basic program I can run it on my linux servers to create downloadable zips of neutralraces. As far as I can tell the game doesnt have to be told how many neutrals to select from, if you put more in that directory then it will use it no matter what mod you are using.

I may have to play with the naming convention though. Does it have to be named in numerical sequence? Im thinking the answer is no so I can use random file names as long as the references to the nations files are correct.

The designname files would be the messiest. I would have to select randomly from the generic collection in order to make sure its there.

[Parasite]

If you are playing against a race and do not have their race files, a random one that does exist is used. Looks like you have what you want with out any programming. The race you play against is changed each time you reload the game.