Race form preset concept

[pearl holly]

A mod for this already exist, even if it is not exactly what you expect.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2972597608

I like your idea, and do not really like what they have done in a game, where a "race" is a "form + perks". In would like to see a mix between this total flexibility and other system.

The problem about these mod is that it change something in rulers définition, and i ask myself what happens the day when the mod is broken (because of a game update for example). This is the reason why i avoid using it.

[lean escarp]

This risks veering the thread wildly off topic, but:

I think the example's you have in the OP would work better as cultures/subcultures but I think this concept would really work to explore some of the more out there things from prev games we can't quite make from current modularity options (I also feel that these shouldn't be form-locked):

AOW2 draconians had varied bodies, winged humanoid, humanoid fire breathers & a big, ogre sized melee unit.
AOW2 shadow demons had a a ton of unique designs, but I'd base this more on the kir'ko, the standouts for me are: Barrager, Ravenous & Engulfer.
AOW3 frostlings had a mixure of small dwarfy/goblin type figures, alongside tall, more elegant figures with more frost witch ancestry as part of the same race.
AOW3 tigrans had the sphinx as a racial unit.

Mechanically, these would work the same way mount traits do with "Optional Cavalry") units, applying different visual and mechanics modifications to specific units.

Each bullet point could also be split into its own trait for even more modularity, but I'm keeping them grouped here for ease of reading:

Draconic Polymorphism:

• "Optional Variation" flagged units gain a breath weapon, (damage type and amount are worked out from the units base default attack). No visuals needed.
• "Optionally Large" flagged units use a rig modifier, like the warbreed to become larger & hulking. They get reduced number of models and regrowth, large target. (Clipped clothes can be hidden & warbreed's loincloth used, keeping cultural helm/shoulders)
• "Optionally Winged" flagged units gain functional draconic style wings & flying.

Hybrid Polymorphism:

• "Optional Variation" flagged units use an alternate form. This would work like syncretic evolution from stellaris, where you set up visual traits (both have reduced totals) for 2 forms upon creation. "Optional Variation" units gain the second set of traits, while your other units use the first form.

Larval Polymorphism:

• "Optional Variation" flagged units use something like the PF Kirko Barrager model, but using the form's skin colour and head. They become single model, increased range and an AOE damage ability (range, damage type and amount are worked out from the units base default attack).
• "Optionally Large" flagged units use something like PF Kirko Ravenous/PF Voradon/Chaos Eater, using the skin colour from the form & part of the head. They become single model, gain increased def/res, unstoppable juggernaut, large target.
• "Optionally Winged" units use something like the PF Kirko Engulfer model, but with the form's associated head and skin colour, gain flying & reduced model count.

Idea came from Voradon/Ravenous from planetfall kind of being different racial versions of the same monstrous unit. Bonus cursed alfred, to illustrate

(fully aware this is more than a bit much - but maybe some of the smaller stuff can work)