I think it was possible at one point, but fixed in a later patch. I know I've tried it in SS, but it didn't change the population.
Sorry to revive an old thread, but I was thinking of lowering the upgrade population for citadels. Will this break saved games?
No, I believe it does not, but await a 2nd opinion
'Proud to be patronised by cedric37(My Father and My Guardian)
Yeah, changes to descr_settlement_mechanics.xml are save-game compatible
I myself added more growth to the bakehouse. I dont think I added enough though... my 8 chiv + overseer couldnt grow hamburg... I dont want too much tedium in getting architect and 10 chiv to get anywhere, so l'll prolly just add more growth to the bakehouse.
Or better yet, add growth to the first tier cannon maker. that way you dont get a growth bonus until late game f you want to keep the feel of rarity. However, the AI has no issues getting them on VH... so make some trades with friendly allies. I traded Hamburg for Arhus n the hopes Denmark would grow t... but he rufused to move a decent gemeral there, and captured some others n Hungary so gave up on that (and traded Visby for Hamburg, the sucker).
The Active Builder trait line also adds +1 to farming output for each rank of it that you have. I believe you can get this by having a general present when a church, farm, market, or wall is built, with a much higher probability from a wall. I have a general with 9 chivalry, an overseer and the first rank of that trait. Everything I can build it built, the city's at +.5% and I'm just a few hundred people away from a citadel... if I fall short I might just cheat.