Part 125: Alkari Preview

Who's Got Next?

The last of the races generally considered roughly 'average' are next on the plate. Best of the 'combat' or 'non-economic' races, it's the birdbrain Alkaris.

Alkari Profile

** Economy -- No bonuses whatsoever.

** Diplomacy -- A definite negative. Sakkra and Klackon relations start at Unease, Restless with their natural predatory rivals the Mrrshan. In general birds don't like predators. Go figure. All other relations start at the default.

** Military -- A +3 bonus to defense rolls in fleet combat makes Alkari ships very hard to hit, especially early on.

** Research -- A little above-average. Poor in Force Fields, but Excellent in Propulsion, the galaxy's experts in that discipline.

Overview

At standard starting-game capabilities, the Alkari defense bonus effectively makes their ship 2.5 times harder to hit than their opponents. Due to the impact of this on damage, it also means that when they are hit, it will usually be for smaller amounts as well. This is a potent advantage, one that makes the Alkari race the best-suited to participate in early game 'brush war' battles for territory. The Propulsion research bonus also helps in that direction; that first crash range research job will be expected to go more quickly, helping us get moving.

While it's out of nature for me, I intend to start building some kind of small warships within the first 40-50 years. It seems the only way to utilize our avian plus. We're finally here with the first of the military-focused races, and the slow diplomatic and economic game will be less effective. I can't go in with guns blazing, but I will need to be a lot more willing to do targeted, calculated aggression and spend on the military earlier.

The Final Chapters

After that, there will only be the 'bad' races remaining. And this is where the voting comes in. Please choose from the following options. After victory with the Alkari is secured, these will be played in the order in which the voting determines; top vote-getter first, then second, whatever race gets the least votes will go last. You can choose what order you'd like all three to go in or just pick who you want next, at your leisure.

** Bulrathi -- Making use of their massive abilities in ground combat is best done early on. They don't have much else though.
** Mrrshan -- Best gunners, great at developing Weapons, bad diplomacy.
** Darloks -- Second-most unique race after the Silicoids. Nobody likes them but their spies are feared by all sentient races.
** IDGAF -- If you can't be bothered and/or would rather I just used a RNG to determine the order.

I am also considering doing a special 'challenge game' at the end of all this as a parting shot to Master of Orion. When we do get there, I'll also take suggestions on what old-school game to try next. But that's way beyond the scope for now. At the moment, just let me know who you'd like to see from these races.