I just started my first game of Dark Avatar, and I selected my usual opponent settings (all random races).

During the game I nearly crapped myself when I saw a Dread Lord constructor show up by one of my planets. I didn't select the Dread Lord scenario, so I'm wondering if it's a bug that they show up in this way. If it's by design, then it totally ruins the random opponent feature.

Another thing is, I wanted to keep them on my side in case they get teasy and destroy me. I offered them research and economic treaties, and was surprised to find that they were willing to give me all of their money (approximately 20,000BC) at the same time. (They must be in a good mood).

Anyway, a few turns later I talked to them again, and noticed they had 20,000BC again.