Neptune's Pride

[Jaron]

The Jaronesian Republic is accepting all diplomatic envoys at its capital, Alphecca.

[Agelastus]

lol I'm stuck between Grumbler and Katmai.

At least you don't have to research range first, lest your expansion come to a dead stop after your ships reach their first star...

Actually, I'd say your position is better than last game. You don't have quite as many hostile powers on your doorstep.

Fleet Range looks to be much more important in this game than the other, by the looks of the map, so researching it this early might be a good idea.
But you're right, you did get shafted.  At least no one can mess with your planets in the early game.

Yes, that is a luxury I really intend to enjoy (Szmik. )

[FunkMonk]

Yeah, I left the fleet range level as the default and increased home system distance to 2 light years. I think the original game's settings turned it into a giant clusterfuck way too early in the game. 

I agree, and I'm not just saying that due to the fact I have reverted to "make them pay in blood" mode in the other game!

Always a viable strategy in any game. 

Hopefully no one drops this time so someone doesn't so easily outpace the rest of us.

That would be a pain. Although kudos to Berkut, he reacted quickest to the opportunity.

Yeah, he did very well. He took a crappy starting area where he was already hemmed in on all sides by his neighbors and became galactic hegemon. Of course, LaCroix's drop really sorta fell in his lap. 

Unless a grand coalition forms to oppose him he's going to win easily.

[FunkMonk]

The Jaronesian Republic is accepting all diplomatic envoys at its capital, Alphecca.

The Empire becomes the Republic this time around? 

[FunkMonk]

Who are the name changers?

Ughian is szmik I think. Scythian Trade Alliance is Tamas maybe?

[FunkMonk]

lol I'm stuck between Grumbler and Katmai.

I propose an alliance between myself, Jaron, and Katmai to be called "The Galactic Federation of Neo-Aztlan". VIVA LA RAZA!

Hopefully this game goes much better for you than the last. 

[Agelastus]

Who are the name changers?

Ughian is szmik I think. Scythian Trade Alliance is Tamas maybe?

Oh crap. That is not good news for me...

[Tonitrus]

Yeah, I left the fleet range level as the default and increased home system distance to 2 light years. I think the original game's settings turned it into a giant clusterfuck way too early in the game. 

I agree, and I'm not just saying that due to the fact I have reverted to "make them pay in blood" mode in the other game!

Always a viable strategy in any game. 

Hopefully no one drops this time so someone doesn't so easily outpace the rest of us.

That would be a pain. Although kudos to Berkut, he reacted quickest to the opportunity.

Yeah, he did very well. He took a crappy starting area where he was already hemmed in on all sides by his neighbors and became galactic hegemon. Of course, LaCroix's drop really sorta fell in his lap. 

Unless a grand coalition forms to oppose him he's going to win easily.

Hah, I tried to start one up, but his other neighbors seem to be either too busy, or have already sold out. 

[Fireblade]

Yeah, I left the fleet range level as the default and increased home system distance to 2 light years. I think the original game's settings turned it into a giant clusterfuck way too early in the game. 

I agree, and I'm not just saying that due to the fact I have reverted to "make them pay in blood" mode in the other game!

Always a viable strategy in any game. 

Hopefully no one drops this time so someone doesn't so easily outpace the rest of us.

That would be a pain. Although kudos to Berkut, he reacted quickest to the opportunity.

Yeah, he did very well. He took a crappy starting area where he was already hemmed in on all sides by his neighbors and became galactic hegemon. Of course, LaCroix's drop really sorta fell in his lap. 

Unless a grand coalition forms to oppose him he's going to win easily.

Hah, I tried to start one up, but his other neighbors seem to be either too busy, or have already sold out. 

[Tonitrus]

That Berkut had not already smashed you, I figured as much.  And since ulmont didn't give a quick reply, was going to backstab you anyway. 

It's all good, he'll just finish you off once I am gone, and being on the verge of the 140-ish systems he needs to win.

[Berkut]

Hah, I tried to start one up, but his other neighbors seem to be either too busy, or have already sold out. 

That is odd, when I asked you to stay out of my space in return for a couple systems, you were rather quick to agree.In fact, I was kind of surprised, to be honest, that you were so quick to agree to what was obviously not a viable long term border.

[Berkut]

LH1 is far from over, you guys.

Funkmonk has more ships than I do, and if he succeeds in taking out Habs, will win the game, I think.

[Habbaku]

Indeed.  Funk is quite heavily invested into invading my planets and has more than likely left himself open on his borders.  Might I suggest that some others start hitting him to dissuade him from such a large power grab?

[Jaron]

You're one to talk! My people still call you "The butcher of Atik"

[Tonitrus]

Hah, I tried to start one up, but his other neighbors seem to be either too busy, or have already sold out. 

That is odd, when I asked you to stay out of my space in return for a couple systems, you were rather quick to agree.In fact, I was kind of surprised, to be honest, that you were so quick to agree to what was obviously not a viable long term border.

It was just a stalling tactic to buy some time...I knew I couldn't hold up against you at that time (or at all, really, considering the tech gap)...I never figured it would last either.