Why oh why won't they ally with me?

There are two components to this alliance equation: one, the alien government has to like you. This can be achieved quickly with mass bribes. But, then there is point two, the alien people must like the idea too. This takes longer. So it's not just about money, it is also about time. Try a gift of say a hundred BC for 12 months. Others have tried a tech a turn. That is why smaller bribes over a long period tend to work better here: you are trying to win the people's trust.

Trade is pretty vital too - more trade = closer relations

They are unworthy to ally with you. By not allying, they are saying "Subjugate us, we deserve it."

You have to have some trade with em to get em to a relationship of close. Only then can you ally with them.

What about morality alignment? Would the goody-goody Alterians ally with you if you are neutral or evil? I don't know the answer but I kinda doubt it. :notsure:

Depending on where in the game you are there is another component as well.

Both sides must have the 'Alliance' technology.

Once you have Alliance tech your relationship with the race in question has to be at 'Close' before the option to form an alliance will appear on the diplomacy screen.

I have Alliance tech, and every other AI in the game does too. Not once have I seen the "Alliance" option appear on the Diplo screen, even when talking to races that are friendly or close.

Another factor that comes into it is what % of their total trading is with you. You'll find it's easy to ally with somebody who's at war with everybody else but you, since all of their trade income is coming from you.

I've tried to nail down exactly what the requirements are for a "Close" relationship without success.

If the race is close (not friendly) you should get the alliance option.

Also I have successfully allied with the TOrians while being pure evil, even when they didn't have the alliance tech. I think there are alot of myths behind alliances (not like i have all the answers either!) Maybe it depends on the version?

Speaking of alliances. I have NEVER seen a AI offering a alliance to me (or tech, star systems, or trade goods).

That reminds me liek in MOO2 where every other turn took me to the diplomatic screen where the alien race bugged me about making a alliance.

Yet, in GalCiv, I am more inclined to ally with a AI (since they are MUCH smarter).

*Also a 'ignore alien race' button should be added (I hate them bugging me about them wanting to give me a tribute every other turn, its usually late in the game, and I really don't care by then).

EBZeroMatrix >>> so thats what a "very evil" looks like, your the very first "very evil" i seen! before the most evil smiley fice i seen was the caotic evil one.

Question: is there a "pure evil" smiley face AND a "very evil" smiley face? or are they the same?

Well there's only two 'evil'icons. 'Very Evil' (which is mine), and 'Chaotic Evil' (which is the guy that posted right before my previous message). Getting to your question, there is no 'Pure Evil' icon.

If you wish to learn more about the icons, please check out the 'Legends' section on the GalCiv website.
[Message Edited]