I felt like doing something along the lines of the game play examples in the Journals section. So here it is.
Medium Galaxy, Common habitable planets and stars with Abundant Planets and anomolies. Tough difficulty, with all the other races.
Pretty standard, right? Wrong. Because in this game, I’m not going to build a single colony ship. That’s right, I’m going to be:
Playing as a Minor Race (Well, near enough anyway)
It is the year 2225. Alan Bradley, leader of the Populist party, has stepped up to address the people of the Terran Alliance.
"My fellow humans. Today, we stand at a crossroads. Our scientists have recently developed a new form of propulsion, Hyperdrive. This will allow our ships to travel deep into space, in a spirit of peace and cooperation with the other residents of this galaxy.
"As a demonstration of this, we have shared the Hyperdrive technology with the other races of the Galaxy. I hope that soon we will be able to decide together on how to fairly share the abundant resources this universe provides.
"For now, I have another announcement to make. For some time, we have been building, in secret, two ships with which to begin our journey into space. The first, known as the Ark, will transfer a few brave colonists to start afresh on Mars. While we believe that the majority of the Galaxy should be divided fairly between its inhabitants, Mars is within our home system and we feel justified in claiming it as our own.
"The other ship shall be known as the Columbus. Its job will be to explore this galaxy, and hopefully result in the first face to face meetings with beings of other races.
"This day will be remembered throughout history. It shall be remembered as the day that the greatest age of this Universe began."
However, despite Bradley’s enthusiasm, many do not share his optimism. Though few disagree that it is fair to reach consensus on how the universe is to be shared, many fear that perhaps the other residents of this universe will not be so considerate...
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But the Terran Alliance is not resting on its laurels. Mars is swiftly colonised, and construction begins on a third ship, the Dove. This vessel is designed to scout more deeply into space, while the Columbus concentrates on exploring the strange anomalies found in the space surrounding Earth itself.
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A monumental day- First contact. The Drath don’t seem particularly pleased to meet us, but hopefully we will change that given time. The Drath seem more advanced than us technologically, but they are happy to share their knowledge with us. For a suitable fee of course...
In the coming weeks we make first contact with three other races. The Arcean Empire, the Dominion of Korx, and the Drengin. In order to demonstrate our concept of cooperation with other races, we continue to share technologies with our galactic neighbours.
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The Dove is now complete. It has also been outfitted with the Ion Drive technology that we purchased from the Drath. It is decided that now would be a good time to consider constructing our first starbase, to boost the production of our worlds. Construction begins on a number of Brunell class ships which will be converted into starbase modules on site. In order to save costs, the Brunell is little more than an empty hull with construction equipment strapped on. The starbase has been named ‘Stardock’, after the great software company of the early 21st century.
Meanwhile, discontent is growing at Alan Bradley’s decision not to colonise outside our home system. It seems that we are the only race that is staying put, and this could leave us at a vast disadvantage. However, Alan is sticking to his guns, insisting that he will not be forced into violating his belief in a fairly shared galaxy.
The Earth mourns. The Columbus is lost. The ship has simply vanished. However, there might be some hope. The last transmissions indicate that the Columbus was exploring an unidentified anomaly, and with closer examination of the data it appears to be some sort of temporary wormhole. Perhaps the crew are in fact merely a long way away, and desperately hoping to find a way home...
There is a huge public feeling of relief when contact is restored with the Columbus. It appears that the wormhole theory was correct. What is more, the Columbus has been able to establish contact with four new species. The Yor, the Torians, the Iconians, and the Altarians. They have initiated diplomatic relations by sharing technologies with these slightly less developed races. Elsewhere, the Dove has made contact with the Thalans. Scientists have estimated that there we have most likely discovered all the residents of our universe. Any other races will most likely be poorly advanced, and not really important in the grand scheme of things.
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Oh dear... It seems that the Drengin could be a problem. They own a large number of territories nearby, and they’re getting a bit... unpleasant. Now might be a good time to start building some warships... however, our starport on Earth is already busy building constructors for Stardock, and we also need to start building some freighters to trade with our neighbours... The decision is made to hold off building anything for now, but to keep a close eye on the Drengin, and start developing some more powerful weapons...
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It appears that the galaxy has one other occupant. The Jessuins seem to share our beliefs that the galaxy should be divided fairly and equally, and hopefully we can become good friends. Unfortunately, looking at the galaxy as it is today, this dream may never become a reality.
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A new era in galactic cooperation! The Arcean empire have agreed to an Alliance between our two peoples. This should be enough to keep the Drengin off our backs until we have built ourself a fleet...
Though we do not wish for war, we must resign ourselves to the fact that war will come sooner or later whether we wish it or not... At the moment, the task of invading a planet would be far beyond what we can achieve, but our scientists are working on it. If the Drengin try to start something, we must be ready to take the fight to them...
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Wonderful news. Our location so close to Drengin space has left our frieghters vulnerable to attack should war with the Drengin break out. Now, we can rest assured that our supply lines are safe, at just a small cost to our monthly trade income.
Another Alliance, this time with the Drath. And as a result of this alliance, they are willing to share their Mass Driver technology with us... With this in hand, and the scientists now ready to report on our study of planetary invasions, the construction of a military force has finally been authorised.
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This is the Churchill class Heavy Fighter. Fitted with an impulse drive and three Railguns, it represents the peak of our military technology. Unfortunately, that peak isn’t particularly high... Still, it’s a lot better than nothing, and should be roughly on a par with anything the Drengin can pump out. The first ship, the Guardian, goes into production immediately.
It’s amazing what a few spaceships can do for your popularity... As our fleet grows, races that once were threatening are all of a sudden going out of their way to be friendly. This has lead to a third alliance, this time with our friends the Jessuins. Some people question the wisdom of allying with a weaker civilisation, as some other races may covert Jessuins IV for themselves... But then that is exactly why we should be here to protect them. Soon after this, the Korx also ally with us. Perhaps there is some hope for this to all end peacefully after all...
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To supplement our Churchill vessels, we also construct some Alexander class ships. These are similar to the Churchills, but with Lasers instead of Railguns. This is to counter the Armour defenses that have been spotted on some Drengi ships...
WAR! The Drengi have demanded that we pay tribute in order to maintain the peace. We have refused. As a result, our two nations are in a state of war. Fortunately, the Drengi have struck too late. My Allies, the Arceans, the Drath, the Korx and the Jessuins, honour their alliances and declare war on the Drengin. We have also this very week completed the Terran 1st fleet.
However, it would be unwise to write the Drengin off just yet. They still have a larger military than my allies and myself combined. Fortunately, it is spread across their empire, while my fleet is concentrated near Earth. My troop transports are not yet ready either.
Speaking of which...
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The Hannibal is our first design for a troop transporter. Able to carry an astonishing 1 billion soldiers into battle, it is also able to outrun any Drengin craft that we know of. We are hoping that these ships will be a really nasty surprise for our foes. That is, they will be once we actually get some built.
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Here is the Terran 1st Fleet. It is made up of four Churchill class vessels; the Hope, Guardian, Virtue and Serenity, and my first Alexander class, the Shadow. This is the entirety of my military force at the moment, apart from some basic defenses on Stardock. They have already destroyed a Drengi economy starbase and constructor that were near Earth, but have yet to see any real combat...
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The first true engagement of the war. An easy victory for the Terran Alliance forces. But that was just one ship... What will happen in a more equal battle? My ships are almost on a par with the Drengin vessels, but they have room for some armour while equalling me on weapons.
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But for now, the only Drengin fleet I can see is in Arcean territory. My first Hannibal class transport takes the Drengin world of Martzia V. By an incredible stoke of luck, this also happens to be their manufacturing capital. Now I can pump out some more ships in order to match the Drengin war machine. It also provides a location from which I can begin repairs to the Hope, which bore the brunt of the battles so far.
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While they are still unwilling to ally with us, the Altarians are kind enough to provide us with some military support. It is just a single fighter, but the ‘Honour’ is a perfect match for our other ships. Any assistance is of course welcome. In other news, the Thalans join our galactic alliance, though they will not as yet join us against the Drengin. Still, it should hopefully help to convince others from starting a war against us while we are otherwise occupied.
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The vile Yor have decided to join the Drengin in fighting against the Arceans. As it was us who got them into this war, and as they are our ally, we will of course assist the Arceans in any way we can, whatever the risk to our own survival. The Terran 1st fleet sets course for Arcea immediately.
Bad news. Whilst on its way to our space, the Honour is destroyed by a Drengin fleet. It is our first casualty of the war, but most likely not our last. A national day of mourning is declared in honour its brave pilot, and our newest ship is named ‘Brian’ after him. It’s a stupid name for a spaceship, but nobody dares say anything about it. Brian was a true Terran Hero.
In more promising news, the entire Martzia star system has now been liberated from the Drengin. Unfortunately, many of our citizens have lost their lives in the attack. But the Drengin are being pushed back. We are winning this war. But the full might of the Yor has not yet been brought to bear...
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And this is what the Yor are going to find. The Julius class battleship will be the largest vessel in our fleet, and possibly in the galaxy. Armed with four laser cannons and protected by Titanium Armour, it will outclass anything we have seen from the Drengin by far. However, we have no idea how it will stand up against Yor vessels...
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But they aren’t ready yet. So it is a fleet of Alexander class ships that face off against the Drengin fleet defending their homeworld. This is the first time that two of our fleets have faced each other in battle. We outnumber them by one, so victory is assured. However, we loose two ships of our own in the assault. The Desire and the Brian (that poor guy just doesn’t get any luck does he?). Their sacrifice is not in vain, as Drengi is now undefended. The first attempt at invasion fails, but more troops are on their way.
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Our allies are under attack! Unfortunately, while we must condemn this act of agression, we simply cannot afford to go to war with the Altarians at this time. That would just be stupid. The alliance with the Korx must be ended. We will remember this, however...
Since the Arceans now seem to be holding their own, the Terran 1st Fleet is called to assist the 2nd fleet, who are desperately fighting to keep the space clear above Drengi while our transports arrive. Unfortunately, on the way they run into a Drengin fleet, and one of our ships is lost. Fortunately, we destroy five Drengin ships in the encounter. But the destruction of another one of our ships is unfortunate.
Drengi has fallen! With the Drengin homeworld under our control, few would dispute that the war with the Drengin has been won. All they have left is a couple of class 5 planets. It is too soon to become complacent, however. Until now, the war with the Yor has been rather hypothetical, with no actual battles having been fought. But once we take the last Drengin planet, we will share a border, and the sparks will really start to fly.
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Excellent. We knew it would be a good idea to befriend the Thalans. They are well placed to fight the Yor while we mop up the remaining Drengi.
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The last of the Drengin... They fought to the last man, but in the end we won the day. We now run into the question about what to do with the Drengin world. It is decided that while we do still wish for the galaxy to be divided fairly, we should hold onto these worlds at least until the war with the Yor is over.
Which could be quite some time. With so many people fighting in wars, the population of Earth has dropped to only just over a billion! We will need time to rebuild before striking against the Yor. Our border with them is thin, and should be easy to defend. Construction on a military starbase is ordered to assist in this defense.
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It is time to decide our ethical alignment. We go neutral (because it’s cheaper). While we do believe in fair play, we also understand the necessity of occasionally making compromises when the situation demands it.
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The Terran and Yor forces meet for the first time. They’re powerful, there’s no doubting that. The military starbase, known as the Battlesphere, is nearby. It isn’t complete, but does provide a small benifit. We win, but loose half of the fleet. This doesn’t bode well for later engagements further from the Battlesphere... more investment in military technology may be required.
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Speaking of which... the Yor want peace. And they are willing to give me just what I need in return. I accept, though the Thalans choose to fight on. Thanks to the Drath, I also have a nice new ship to put them on... The Nebula-C Frigate.
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This thing is fitted with six plasma cannons, which are twice as powerful as the lasers we used to use. A ship this powerful doesn’t even need defenses. Well... hopefully not anyway.
But all this may be irrelevant anyway. The Yor are falling apart. The Altarians have now joined the attack. With two of our allies engaged against them, it seems that our brief cease fire must soon end. Our ships move into position. While the new generation of Hannibal class troop transports are not yet ready, some constructors are on their way to hopefully claim the Yor’s Economy and Research resources.
It seems that the Galaxy has been almost completely explored... With its original purpose gone, the Columbus will now be upgraded to act as a warship. Another new development is the surrender of the Korx to the Drath. It is sad to see an old ally die, but to be honest there were many rumours of... concerning acts carried out by the nation’s leaders. Perhaps the galaxy is better off without them.
It is the time for action. We declare war on the Yor once again. This has nothing to do with wanting to feast on the decaying remains of a dying race. Nope, not at all. It is a complete coincidence that our first act of war is to destroy one of their mining starbases and build one of our own in its place. By a complete coincidence, we also secure their other mining starbase soon afterwards.
In the end, the transports make it to Iconian space, and we take all but one of their planets for ourselves. However, just as we are celebrating victory...
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We failed an ally before when the Altarians struck. It will not happen again. Such an act of unprovoked aggression cannot be permitted. The Altarians may condsider themselves ‘good’, but their actions against the Korx and now the Jessuins speak for themselves. We will defend our allies from this rising menace.
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I get the feeling that the Altarians may be ever so slightly out of their league...
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We have also gained another ally, the Iconians. This means that just the Altarians and the Torians are outside of our galactic alliance... Well, for the next couple of weeks anyway. Then we ally with the Torians. Now, all we have to do is finish off the Altarians, and the entire galaxy will be united in peace.
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Are you joking? This war is effectively over before it’s even really begun! Now the Altarians know what it’s like to be picked on by a big bully.
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Oops. We didn’t even realise the Arceans were at war with the Jessuins. Why didn’t we get asked to join in? Oh well, it’s a bit late now.
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More easy victories. We’ve recorded this since it’s pretty much the last fleet battle we’ll see. The Altarians really haven’t got much else left to fight with. Altaria falls...
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And finally Wisp, and it’s all over. I’ve got to give the Altarians some credit- they had got a lot of guts believing that victory was still possible with no fleet and a single low-class planet.
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Dignities gather to celebrate a united galaxy. Finally, we can divide it up fairly between ourselves. Who needs a colony rush?
I’m actually kind of curious as to whether I’d still have been able to manage this with a few more planets on the map... That’ll be time to start a new game then...
