Fractal maps are like continents, only more irregural. I rather like them.
Well, there's the two expansions, Gods and Kings and Brave New World. Those aren't optional. But other than that, there's a bunch of others that add just civilizations and wonders. The Temple of Artemis and Babylon are part of those DLCs, for example. And don't worry, you don't have to do anything to not use them. It's the host's choice.We can? Uh... I must admit I don't know how to not use those. I got the Complete Edition just recently (well, two months ago now, but that's recent relative to when the game came out), so I don't even know which parts are DLC and which aren't, honestly.