I'm fairly new at this game and while I think I've figured most of it out, I still have some questions about a couple of diplomatic matters.
The first is alliances: I sound like a noob, but I still can't figure out how they work. How do I make them? Is there a button or a trade option I'm missing? I researched the tech but I can't do anything more than agree to peace treaties.
The AI also confused me in this area. They would hint at certain things that sounded a lot like alliances but really weren't, such as when the Torians told me they were entering a war alongside my empire ("our destinies are aligned", or something). Turns out it wasn't an alliance, they were just helping me out. Also, earlier that same game, the Torians told me that they were "lending me some of their finest starships in my valient battle etc." (against the drengi). I saw no ships. Is this just flavor text or something?
Another minor question: the manual mentions "destabilization" as an option alongside spying (they're supposed to be in the relations tab of your foreign options section). Apparently it's supposed to be a way to lower your opponents approval rating, but I can't find this option anywhere. Hmm.
So yeah, minor noob questions. Nothing game ruining, but I would reallly like to know how to make alliances so I can get a diplomatic victory or something.
