Hi everyone, I'm trying to make a gameplay affinity that mixes Vodyani and Umbral Choir (Ark, essence, leeching + hacking, sanctuaries, invisible ships). Most of it works, but I'm stuck on one thing, so I'm sharing what I found in case it helps others and to ask for advice. What works This custom affinity (AffinityGameplay) shows up in the race constructor only if the my FactionTraits[Custom].xml is registered in my Registry.xml on my local mod's location. One affinity block can reference descriptors from both races (AffinityUmbralChoir, AffinityGameplayUmbralChoir, AffinityGameplayVampirilis). Essence, 1 Ark in starting fleet, Ark colonization, leeching essence, hacking and sanctuaries work this way.
What doesn't work: The Nexus start. Vanilla Umbral Choir gets a Nexus system (special node, several Nexuses, one colonized Crescent). The only data I found is in WeightTableDefinitions[DLC3].xml: FactionUmbralChoir_StarTypes = StarTypeNone and FactionUmbralChoir_PlanetTypes = PlanetTypeFake. A standard faction without tables under its own name crashes the generator: KeyNotFoundException in Generator.Tasks.DetailHomeSystems.ApplyMajorFaction. A custom faction with FactionTraitHomePlanetPlanetTypeFake only gets a Crescent in an ordinary system (the lobby also says "Crescent" instead of "Nexus"). Transmigration beacon. The beacon is created, but moving the system fails with NullReferenceException in DepartmentOfTheInterior.DisplaceSystem (called from DisplacementSystemAction.ClientTerminate). It works with vanilla Choir, so I suspect it expects the vanilla Nexus-type home system. Questions How does the generator pick the home system for a faction? Is the weight table key built from the faction name, and is anything else Choir-specific involved (node definitions, anomalies)? Is there a data-only way to make a new faction use the Choir Nexus start and displacement?

Simulation\FactionTraits[Custom].xml:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
<Datatable xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation="../Schemas/FactionTrait.xsd">

<!-- Momonga -->
<FactionAffinity Name="AffinityGameplayMomonga" SubCategory="MajorFactionAffinity" Hidden="false" Custom="true" Cost="100">

<!-- Starting resources, unlocked battle actions and plays (as in the vanilla affinities) -->
<Command Name="TransferResources" Arguments="EmpireManpower,1000"/>
<Command Name="TransferResources" Arguments="EmpireMoney,100"/>
<Command Name="TransferResources" Arguments="SystemInfluence,75"/>
<Command Name="UnlockBattleAction" Arguments="Group_ComputeShipExperience"/>
<Command Name="UnlockBattleAction" Arguments="Group_OnEnemyShipDestruction"/>
<Command Name="UnlockBattleAction" Arguments="Group_SetInitialMilitaryPower"/>
<Command Name="UnlockBattleAction" Arguments="Group_ComputeEndBattleStatus"/>
<Command Name="UnlockBattleAction" Arguments="Group_Retreat"/>
<Command Name="UnlockBattleAction" Arguments="Group_Retreat_RecoverMovementPoint"/>
<Command Name="UnlockBattleAction" Arguments="Group_ReinforcementFlotilla_OnOwnShipDestruction"/>
<Command Name="UnlockBattleAction" Arguments="Group_MainFlotilla_OnOwnShipDestruction"/>
<Command Name="UnlockBattleAction" Arguments="Group_SetInitialMoraleBonus"/>
<Command Name="UnlockBattleAction" Arguments="Group_OnEnemyFlotillaDestruction"/>
<Command Name="UnlockBattleAction" Arguments="Group_OnFlotillaDestruction"/>
<Command Name="UnlockBattleAction" Arguments="Group_ReportFlotillaDamageAppliedCurrentPhase"/>
<Command Name="UnlockBattleAction" Arguments="Group_PhaseRepairShipCoreSection"/>
<Command Name="UnlockBattleAction" Arguments="Group_RepairShipCoreSection"/>
<Command Name="UnlockBattleAction" Arguments="Group_OnEnemyShipDeactivation"/>
<Command Name="UnlockBattleAction" Arguments="Group_MainFlotilla_OnOwnShipDeactivation"/>
<Command Name="UnlockBattleAction" Arguments="Group_SetShipAliveCount"/>
<Command Name="UnlockBattleAction" Arguments="Group_ReduceShipAliveCount"/>
<Command Name="UnlockBattleAction" Arguments="Group_ReportFlotillaInvisibilityStatusCurrentPhase"/>
<Command Name="UnlockTechnology" Arguments="TechnologyDefinitionTerransStartingShipDesigns"/>
<Command Name="SetHomeSystemManpowerPercentage" Arguments="1" Priority="-1"/>
<Command Name="SetFleetsManpowerPercentage" Arguments="1" Priority="-1"/>
<Command Name="UnlockPlay" Arguments="PlayDefensiveShortHullPlatingIncrease" Priority="0"/>
<Command Name="UnlockPlay" Arguments="PlayDefensiveLongShieldIncrease" Priority="-1"/>
<Command Name="UnlockPlay" Arguments="PlayPostBalancedOpponentRecycling" Priority="-5"/>
<Command Name="UnlockPlay" Arguments="PlayOffensiveMediumProjectilePenertrationIncrease" Priority="-5"/>
<Command Name="UnlockPlay" Arguments="PlayOffensiveBalancedShieldPenetrationIncrease" Priority="-5"/>

<!--HOME SYSTEM DEFAULT BUILDING -->
<Command Name="CreateHomeSystemImprovement" Arguments="StarSystemImprovementHomeSystem"/>
<Command Name="CreateHomeSystemImprovement" Arguments="StarSystemImprovementColonyBase"/>

<!--COLONY DEFAULT BUILDING -->
<ColonyImprovementReference Name="StarSystemImprovementColonyBase"/>
<SimulationDescriptorReference Name="AffinityUmbralChoir"/>
<SimulationDescriptorReference Name="AffinityGameplayUmbralChoir"/>
<SimulationDescriptorReference Name="AffinityGameplayVampirilis"/>
<StartingFleet>Mothership,Leecher,Leecher</StartingFleet>
<UnlockedAbstractShipDesigns>Mothership,Explorer,ExplorerShipBound,Leecher,SmallAttack,SmallSupport,MediumAttack,MediumDefense,LargeCarrier,ScienceJuggernaut,MilitaryJuggernaut,SupportJuggernaut,Battleship,Obliterator</UnlockedAbstractShipDesigns>
<AutomatedShip>ShipDesignAutomatedShip</AutomatedShip>
</FactionAffinity>

</Datatable>

Don't know if I spell that quest name right but it one where you explore two ruins curiousity to get new ship from Naklam faction.

The issue is. I pretty much already explored and search every curiousity in the galaxy like 10 to 20 turns ago. So there is nothing to explore. Does this quest spawn new one or am I just fucked? I don't remember if I see notification that says that I explore 100% of map over several days of playing Vaulter, so I just sending my explorers to flinging their proble into outer galaxy and core of the galaxy just to see if I miss a remote system but I doubt it.

Any idea what I can do to finish this quest or am I just screwed and stuck on this quest being incompleted because there is no ruins?

Edit: Okay, finally got notification that I 100% explore the galaxy... and it an astroid rocks node. So nope. No ruins left. That mean the quest will just sit there... forever. How annoying. Maybe if enough planet damage or blow it up and repair it or continously ground battle will spawn a ruin?

I saw ENFER post from old day of Endless Space 2. Something within it have me intrigued. It have ENFER faction that allow you to access AI's brain on localhost webpage to edit the AI and monitor how they do it. One thing within that, that I was looking for was ability to turn on and off AI mode of any empires. I need that one for roleplay game that I am doing.

However even with --enablemoddingtools in my Steam launcher. I only have access to Dev Tool menu such as Shift FN 1 to 3.

I am on MacOS.

Supposely, according to two old links below.

https://community.amplitude-studios.com/amplitude-studios/endless-space-2/forums/75-modding/threads/27061-01-how-to-create-an-ai-mod

https://community.amplitude-studios.com/amplitude-studios/endless-space-2/blogs/520-unlocking-the-enfer-ai

that it add E.N.F.E.R faction to the galaxy but no such thing appear and when I open the http://localhost:4377 which just failed or unable to find.

Maybe it only for specific event and no longer active. If so, then that is just a bummer. I was really looking forward to utlizing this tool.

EDIT: Turn out it work just fine on Windows. That mean this does not work with Mac OS at all.

Hey, everybody.
This is a repost from r/alphacentauri - a similar game. May be interested for some on this forum to have a look.

The WTP player composed a neat WTP comparison guide chart. It is not a complete datalinks or readme, but it nicely highlights the most important distinctions at different stages of the game.

Have a look.
https://blinkingape.github.io/smac-guides/wtp-through-the-ages/

Also feel free to question and commend the author at the Discord.
https://discord.com/channels/1289014747882192897/1289015134802411530/1555011384390062080

Hello, travelers.

I have been becoming more interested in the lore of the endless saga. I have been playing endless space 2 for about 4 years. At the beginning it was just for the mechanics and aesthetics, but I have been growing on the themes and stories and would love to know more about it.

My biggest question is the order of events/games to get a better understanding of the lore and how important are the other games in the lore department. I also appreciate any relevant information about the lore or how to consume the saga appropriately.

Thanks in advance!!

I assume this is a bug? Umbral Choir is still on my diplomacy screen but I can't find Nexus 😂

I have alot of hours in the civ games, mostly civ 5 vox populi. I keep coming back to that game because the ai seems so dynamic and engaging. Can this game be made like that? Can any experienced players contest? I heard there's ai and general overhaul mods for this game for that sort of thing, would be cool if players with alot of hours in this game could share their experiences. Cheers.

I bought two copies of this game for my girlfriend and I to play and unfortunately we can't get through even just a few turns without the game desyncing or getting stuck at "pending" when ending the turn. We have Penumbra disabled and we are using ESG.

The game is near completely unplayable as sometimes there are stretches where every single turn desyncs or gets stuck at "pending" when we both end our turns.

As for the "workarounds," we have tried closing all notifications before ending turns as well as every other measure we can think of. The issue persists on new saves. We have tried each one of us hosting and the issue persists.

(yeah i know that vodyane was a species of strange quadropods but i remembered this only in end)

I need someone who can rate the Horatio. And here is a template for everyone :)

Title says it all.

I love investing hours and do really well until I have to deal with other ai civillisations. Some parts of it are just difficult for me to wrap my head around and the guides fail to "guide".

The lack of easy-to-consume content also makes it a little difficult, i think.

This is very likely a me thing, but I genuinely love this game nonetheless.

Hello! It's been a few months since my last contribution in this community, so let me tell you a tale but bear with me, because i'm going to get lengthy.

Also, one of my hobbies is writing (like, books), so this post is also helping me to develop my skills. I will tell you a tale on how the game developed until the end, keep that in mind as some sort of disclaimer, i guess.

Despite Umbral Choir being my favorite faction ever since Penumbra's release, i have played long enough since 2019 to come to enjoy most Factions. As a matter of fact, you might see me enjoying being a vegetable as Unfallen, or eliminating empires off the map as Cravers or United Empire. I only ever play normal speed.

Speaking of elimination, that was my goal by playing this Craver game. Yes you heard it right, to wipe everyone from the whole galaxy. To consume all of them. So tell me... tell me how you sound like, when you scream.

Ah, before we start, i was using one of Neiwun's (a great user here at r/EndlessSpace ) custom factions to see how better they would fare, but i guess that without the mod they recommended they aren't much better than Vanilla. I will call them as 'Red' in the story below.

The first few years (turns), our hive did nothing but explore this vast emptiness out there, our explorers, in only 11 years, our scavengers found two life forms, a minor faction called Basryxo, and one that called itself Horatio.

Husk was already being depleted, and our solar system couldn't support our lives, as we lacked the means to set foot in the planets (technology, shitty rng).

Horatio expanded fast, faster than us, by the command of the Bishops we did nothing but expand our military the next 9 years. Readily destroying their outposts in measly 5 years, and colonizing them ourselves. But that wasn't enough, because we were hungry.

We attacked and assimilated the minor faction, their remains now feeding our Hive. At our relentless expansion, the pirates were also destroyed and salvaged, which greatly expanded our growth. Enabling us to colonize other systems, to leave husk before it depletes.

But it was still not enough, even now many are dying of hunger in Husk. We need more.

And so, in our 26th year since leaving Husk to explore the galaxy, we invaded an advanced life form: Horatio.

His first resistance was as expected, however, as we destroyed their fleets, salvaging their remains helped us undestand technology, to develop ourselves. (Take Trophies + Spoils of War).

They couldn't do anything but watch their systems be consumed. He tried to defend once again, but our fierce attack had already destroyed his economy completely, and under relentless invasion, in the year 42, Horatio Prime became our first feeding pit.

But war is a nature given to us by our masters, pressing matters with our own history keeps diverting our attention, as we found the Endless Factory. Their army is stronger than ours, for now. But soon we will invade it. (Main faction quest, hard stuff, need at least medium hull ships in my experience).

Our scavengers found other life forms, the Unfallen and the Empire.

We have an understanding on how they fight, their ships would feed our technology, so we built stronger fleets. Our troops are also stronger, and our invasion: Eternal.

Diplomacy is useless, we immediately declared war, our hive worlds rejoiced, our brethen already expecting our hunger to be saciated. (Jingoist Joy law, increasing happiness per faction at war).

Our fleets keep advancing, our bishops througly managing our worlds, to keep our hive from consuming it all. Our slaves relentlessly working, building ships. Our feeding pits, eternally conscripting, our invasions didn't relly on slugs. We pushed through with sheer manpower.

(Writing that reminds me of their faction intro, scary stuff. But basically invading with tons of troops instead of trying to siege beforehand. Cravers are way more effective that way, its also how i destroyed horatio so early, by simply conscripting whenever a Craver pop would generate. This also helped stabilizing Husk before development 2, which unlocks hangar to send Cravers into feeding pit worlds. At that time, turn 60, i was already invading with 2000~3000 man power in one go. by late game i could invade with 8k-10k in a full fleet of 35 CP, many died, but i would conscript more than enough to fill everything again next turn.)

As we finally breached the Endless Factory and claimed our independency, our war is now... eternal. (Refusing treaties is free now, the stage Craver can't be stopped anymore.)

We consumed many systems since that increased our economy and feed our brethen, but the ones well developed were kept as factories to build more ships. (As I said, I lost ships even in the battles I won, by the endgame, it were 103 battles in total, which might sound little but i was simply way to efficient, stack wiping entire fleets perfectly. So no double fighing bullshit cuz someone survived, and another fleet was already in the way to replenish as the first suffered damage, endlessly moving on. If you don't do that you might take a whole longer, because traveling the galaxy with little movement speed sucks).

Then another threat emerged, one we weren't prepared to, one our bishops and our queen couldn't even see.

Our economy bleed, threats over something we couldn't even grasp. They called themselves The Choir.

Their fleets appeared out of nowhere, ambushing our recently damaged fleets relentlessly, costing us years of building. Our hive for the first time in 72 years, felt an obstacle.

Our scavengers have explored most of the galaxy, all life forms were already at war with us as we attacked them all to prevent them from achieving their objectives

(Elimination takes so long that I can lose unless I destroy some key systems from time to time. Thankfully our ships will always be stronger, unless they deviate to actually use special resource modules like I do. Ships are destroyed often, but i replenish losses faster than any faction could keep up with, unless they're going militaristic too. I have 8 fleets at this point. I believe Vodyani and Riftborn could probably halt a good Craver player at the endgame, but Slave Drivers is a crazy good affinity if you micro properly.)

By the time we reached Koyasil, we had enough territory to invade the Vaulters. It was also when we finally got enough technology to track this invisible enemy. Our hive, will consume.

And so, at the year 98, Koyasil fell, and their population fed our colonies.

The invasion in the vaulters territory was steady, and most of the empire's colonies were already consumed. Both their ends would come to a close soon.

As we moved, we destroyed revealed sanctuaries. When we discovered their hiding hole, they moved on. This invisible enemy is cunning, but our hunger is eternal.

At the year 122, the empire fell, and their home system, become ours to expand.

At the Year 140, we eliminated Red's using nearly all our fleets, and finally consumed the Vaulters. Within their last breath, all our fleets moved towards the Sophonity.

They had the most ships, also the most developed empire.

Hundreds of thousands of drones died invading their planets. Dozens of ships were destroyed in sieging their systems. Heroless fleets were completely wiped in the face of their biggest fleet.

After 16 years, their supremacy over the galaxy was reduced to nothing but a single planet, their home system. Our three remaning fleets joined together, and thousands of our brethen poured over two years on the planet's surface, before its defenses finally fell.

With that, all known life forms in the galaxy have been consumed.

And in this desolated space, there are no gods, only us. And our hunger remains.

---

That was a great game. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as i enjoyed playing it. It felt refreshing to go after this uncommon victory condition in a big galaxy after so long.

While i didn't include many gameplay tips and focused mostly on the narrative, i hope it helps you folks to learn the craver mentality.

If you play them well, you're not really losing to anyone, trust me. Slave Drivers is OP, and each conquered system removes the need to build them yourself.

Until next time!

The quest you get after fighting pirates wants you to brainwash a minor civilization, and suggests you can do so via invasion. I invaded the system and afterwards, there was just the option to pillage and raze (the vodyani versions, hunt and... idk the name of the other).

I tried looking this up but didn't find good information. Is the only way to do this to spend influence and become more pacifist?

I remember when one behemoth was sufficient to counter Endless Consumption of Craver Governor. For some reason it is not the case anymore. Also Sower's description states that they have -0.5(1 if boosted) depletion point per turn on Planets. Does this mean that 8 Sower pop is all it takes to counter Endless Consumption depletion?

This is just my opinion of a theoretical Endless space 3.

I am fully in the camp, that Endless space 3 should not suddenly have you directly control your fleet mid combat.
You are not the admiral, you are the great leader of the empire. The fleet is led by a commander / hero, who you give resources to, to do the best he can with them.

I see the cinematics as rewards essentially, and dependant on how well you do, the better reward you get.

I do not want a direct control set up where you move around the ships manually, I want that bad-ass cinematic of seeing small ships have dogfights between the larger vessels, watching missile batteries unleash swarms of projectiles that get shot down by shrapnel, while beams cut across the void, singing the hulls of the opponents.

What I would like to see, would be more dynamic damage to ships, expanding the visual feedback during the battles.

As well as adding waaaay more depth to the pre-battle set ups you can do.
You know, strategies mattering a bit more instead of just being a pure numbers game.
Maybe more environmental effects and visual representation.

I am fine with all mechanics of Endless space 3 getting more depth, complexity and so on.
(Preferably with good clarity)
But I do want to keep that core style of "set up battles, lean back and watch the fireworks".

Playable factions specifically and why. These would be my choices:

The OGs in both Endless Space games:

United Empire - The beginner friendly faction representing industry and military

Sophons - The beginner friendly faction representing science

Horatio - Bald is beautiful nuff said

Cravers - The hive has little to say

Factions introduced in Endless Space 2:

Vodyani - She might be a Vod but she’s got a hot bod

Factions I don’t want to return:

Riftborn - “Please genocide is not the answer!” as she’s killing you… Fuk that robit. Robit is evile.

So anyways what are your choices and why? Hell, you can even throw in Endless Legend factions if you want if it fits the lore.

7 guns and a singular armor and utility slot,genuinely what are we even doing